KP police say 341 drone attacks were foiled in first six months of 2026

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police said on Tuesday that they thwarted 341 drone attacks by terrorists during the first six months of the current year, citing the use of modern technology and a newly established specialised unit.

In a statement, the police said Pakistan’s first dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Division was set up in March to "disable terrorist drones and conduct further research on them". The claim was shared during a law and order review meeting at the Central Police Office chaired by Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, where officials were briefed on the force’s performance in the first half of the year.

Counterterrorism operations

According to the police statement, the Counter-Terrorism Department carried out 2,004 intelligence-based operations across the province in the last six months. Police said those operations helped prevent major terrorist activity and led to the arrest of 504 terrorists, including 14 high-value targets.

The meeting was also told that 182 terrorists were killed in encounters with police during the period. Police said 294 attacks were launched on the force, of which 161 were repulsed. It added that 122 officers and personnel were martyred in the line of duty, while 175 others were injured.

Police said CTD operations this year resulted in the seizure of 1,771 kilogrammes of explosive material, 91 hand grenades, two suicide jackets, two RPGs, seven RPG shells, eight shotguns, 52 pistols and 45 submachine guns.

Action against narcotics and weapons

The statement said the meeting was also briefed on action against drug traffickers, proclaimed offenders and illegal weapons. Police said 9,159kg of narcotics were recovered in the six-month period, while 10,197 FIRs were registered under the Narcotics Act, leading to 10,718 arrests.

From those arrested, police said they recovered 7,577.32kg of charas, 385.618kg of opium, 246.45kg of heroin and 949.418kg of methamphetamine, also referred to as ice.

Police further said 21,903 cases were registered during the period and 21,355 accused were arrested. The recoveries listed from detainees included 1,457 rifles, 2,994 shotguns, 25,805 pistols, 141 daggers, 943,047 cartridges, 1,821 Kalashnikovs, 236 Kalakofs, 93 hand grenades, eight sten guns, two push-push guns, 5,117 detonators and 1,215 dynamites and LMGs.

Search and strike operations

Under the National Action Plan, police said 2,742 search and strike operations were conducted against criminals in the province over the last six months. These operations resulted in the arrest of 10,540 criminals and suspects, while weapons, ammunition and prohibited items were also recovered.

During those operations, police checked 39,171 houses and 14,098 hotels. The statement said 1,598 cases were registered over violations related to house checks and 73 cases over hotel-related violations.

The police chief appreciated the force’s performance and directed officials to maintain close coordination with other law-enforcement agencies and to take strict action against anti-state elements and those disrupting peace in the province.