Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has commended Punjab Safe City Authority for using thermal drones in flood relief operations across several districts. The initiative introduced thermal imaging technology to locate citizens and livestock stranded by rising waters, ensuring timely coordination with rescue teams. Officials confirmed that districts such as Sialkot, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Jhang were among the hardest hit, and the drones played a critical role in identifying people trapped in inaccessible areas.
Authorities reported that more than 800 successful rescue cases were managed using drone-assisted monitoring and coordination. This operation represents one of the most extensive deployments of surveillance drones for humanitarian purposes in Punjab. The integration of advanced imaging technology with Safe City’s existing surveillance systems enabled quicker decision-making and stronger coordination between relief teams working in flood-affected zones. By using thermal drones, rescue officials were able to cut down the time taken to assess situations and mobilise emergency units, especially in locations where traditional access was limited.
In her statement, Maryam Nawaz praised PSCA teams for their swift adaptation of new technology during a critical situation, noting that the deployment strengthened the province’s disaster management capacity. The Chief Minister highlighted that aligning Safe City’s infrastructure with advanced drone surveillance has enhanced Punjab’s ability to respond to emergencies more effectively. This combination of urban safety technology with disaster response tools underscores the growing role of digital systems in managing crises at the provincial level.
Officials have indicated that drone operations will remain active as weather forecasts warn of further rainfall and a heightened risk of flooding. Relief authorities are maintaining continuous surveillance across vulnerable areas to ensure that immediate help can be provided wherever needed. The effort demonstrates how provincial technology initiatives such as Safe City can be scaled beyond urban security, contributing to broader public safety and disaster relief. By deploying drones to aid in rescue and evacuation, Punjab has showcased the potential of integrating digital innovation into emergency response, offering timely assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters.
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