Lahore, September 10, 2025:
In a groundbreaking move to strengthen disaster response, the Punjab government has introduced an airlift drone service designed to assist people stranded in flood-hit areas.
The drone, capable of lifting and transporting a person weighing up to 200 kilograms, is being dispatched to Multan on the orders of the Punjab Home Secretary. The initiative marks the first time such advanced rescue technology is being used for humanitarian operations in Pakistan.
Ahead of deployment, the Civil Defense carried out successful test flights of the drone, a video of which was shared on the Punjab government’s official X account. The footage highlights how the drone can be maneuvered in difficult conditions to safely transport people from danger zones.
Officials confirmed that the provincial government plans to purchase 10 more of these drones for the Civil Defense, effectively setting up Pakistan’s first emergency airlift drone service.
Speaking about the development, the Punjab Home Secretary said the government is committed to modernizing the Civil Defense Resilience Corps. He praised civil defense staff and volunteers as the “frontline soldiers” during floods and emergencies, noting that their quick response has been instrumental in saving lives.
With climate change bringing more frequent and severe flooding, the introduction of airlift drones could be a game changer in the province’s emergency response efforts.
