Drone Crashes Into CTD Punjab Headquarters in Lahore; Police Launch Investigation

An unidentified drone crashed into the outer wall of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) headquarters in Lahore on Sunday, police said, triggering an investigation into what officials suspect may have been an attempt to surveil the sensitive facility.

According to police, the drone approached the compound from the Jallo More side before striking the outer boundary wall and falling to the ground. Security personnel stationed at the headquarters immediately recovered the device and took it into custody.

Officials said the cameras mounted on the drone and its battery-powered lights were still functioning at the time of recovery, adding weight to suspicions that it was being operated for reconnaissance purposes. Investigators believe unidentified individuals may have sent the drone toward the facility to observe areas inside the compound.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine who was operating the drone and what the intended purpose was. CTD security officials have also filed an application at the Harbanspura police station requesting legal action over the incident.

The crash comes just days after the Punjab government extended its province-wide ban on drone flights. The restriction follows earlier security concerns, including an incident in October when Punjab Police thwarted a drone attack.

The episode highlights growing concerns over the misuse of commercial drones near high-security installations, and officials are expected to tighten enforcement of the existing ban as the investigation proceeds.