LAHORE: With the aim of ensuring public safety, preventing crime and improving traffic management, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has decided to utilise advanced technology to conduct drone surveillance across the province. According to officials, 24/7 drone surveillance is being carried out in Lahore and other districts of Punjab to enable timely identification of criminal activities, traffic violations and public complaints. The surveillance operations are being conducted in close coordination with district administrations and field police to ensure immediate and effective action. In Lahore, several incidents of kite flying were detected through drone monitoring, prompting relevant authorities to initiate prompt action. Similarly, individuals involved in burning garbage and causing air pollution near Raiwind City Railway Station were identified through drones and reported to concerned departments for timely enforcement. Officials said drone surveillance has already been used in two districts with positive results. In Multan, drone monitoring on Water Works Road led to legal action against vehicles bearing fake or illegal number plates and tinted windows. In Jhang, drone operations on Jhang Road Bypass identified hazards caused by sugarcane trolleys and heavy traffic, following which relevant authorities were informed to take legal action. In Gujrat city, drone surveillance is underway at various traffic hotspots to monitor traffic flow and facilitate smoother commuting for citizens. Drone monitoring is also being conducted in Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Okara and Sahiwal to effectively curb wrong parking and other traffic violations. Sources said that through drone technology, encroachments, traffic congestion points, smog-emitting activities and crime hotspots are being identified, enabling concerned departments to take immediate action. The effective use of modern technology, they added, is not only aiding crime prevention but also improving traffic management and enhancing public safety. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority reaffirmed its commitment to adopting innovative and effective measures to protect citizens’ lives and property. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026