Haqnawaz shinwari
NOWSHERA
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed has inaugurated the country’s first Combat Drone School along with an Elite Mechanical Workshop at the Elite Police Training Centre in Nowshera, aiming to strengthen the force’s capacity to counter evolving militant threats.
The newly established facilities, equipped with advanced technology, are designed to train police personnel in drone operations, surveillance, precision targeting and modern weapons handling, particularly in response to the tactics of outlawed militant groups.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the IGP described the initiative as a “game-changer” for law enforcement in the province.
He said the Combat Drone School, set up under the KP Police’s UAV Division, would not only train officers in operating drones but also in assembling them from components for use in reconnaissance, surveillance, and both offensive and defensive operations.
A prominent feature of the school is training in First Person View (FPV) systems, which enable drones to navigate confined spaces such as narrow alleys, buildings and rugged terrain with speed and precision.
This capability, he noted, would allow forces to target both stationary and moving threats in difficult environments while minimising risks to personnel.
“The acquisition of drone technology is a direct response to the evolving tactics of militants. This facility will enable precise targeting of hideouts in narrow gorges and mountainous regions,” Mr Hameed said.
The IGP also inaugurated the Elite Mechanical Workshop, which is intended to enhance technical understanding of modern firearms among police personnel.
The workshop will allow trained armourers to modify weapons and evaluate their performance under varying operational conditions.
“This facility will play a vital role in improving the effectiveness and utility of advanced weaponry provided to the force,” he added.
During his visit, Mr Hameed inspected various sections of the drone school, reviewed drones and anti-drone systems, and interacted with instructors regarding modern drone components.
He also toured the mechanical workshop, examined different types of weapons and appreciated the technical expertise of the staff.
He expressed confidence that the new facilities would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of KP Police.
“Our personnel have demonstrated exceptional courage. With modern training and equipment, they will be better prepared to combat terrorism,” he said.
Officials stated that both the Combat Drone School and the mechanical workshop are aligned with contemporary technological and security requirements, and are expected to strengthen both defensive and offensive capacities in hard-to-reach areas.
