In a decisive move reflecting the growing security challenges along its western frontier, Pakistan has announced an immediate and comprehensive ban on all drone activities across the country. This sweeping prohibition encompasses commercial, recreational, and privately owned unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of every type and size. The directive, issued by the Interior Ministry, underscores the government’s heightened focus on securing low-altitude airspace amid ongoing counterterrorism efforts and escalating tensions on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The ban mandates strict enforcement by provincial authorities, who have been instructed to ensure full compliance until further notice. Officials have emphasized that maintaining absolute control over the nation’s low-flying airspace is now a critical component of Pakistan’s national security strategy. Violations of the ban will trigger legal consequences, and authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate fully with the new regulations to safeguard the country’s security interests.
This stringent measure comes in the wake of a series of attempted drone attacks targeting Pakistani territory, particularly in the districts of Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera. Pakistan’s Federal Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed that the country’s anti-drone defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized all hostile UAVs without causing any casualties or damage to property. These incidents have exposed what government officials describe as direct operational links between the Afghan Taliban and militant groups operating within Pakistan’s borders, further complicating the security landscape.
Meanwhile, the security situation along the border has intensified following the launch of “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq,” a large-scale military campaign initiated by Pakistan in response to what authorities have labeled as unprovoked cross-border attacks at more than fifty locations. Pakistani military sources report that the operation has inflicted significant damage on Taliban infrastructure, including the destruction of several military headquarters, tanks, artillery units, and numerous check posts.
The Pakistani military has claimed the destruction of over 115 tanks, artillery pieces, and armored vehicles, alongside the complete demolition of 73 Taliban check posts. Additionally, 18 strategic positions have reportedly been captured by Pakistani forces. The operation has not been without cost; Pakistani officials have confirmed the martyrdom of 12 personnel during the intense exchanges. On the Afghan side, security claims suggest that hundreds of Taliban fighters have been killed or wounded, though exact figures remain difficult to verify independently.
Complementing ground operations, the Pakistan Air Force conducted precision overnight airstrikes targeting key Taliban installations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Nangarhar provinces. These strikes reportedly destroyed two brigade headquarters in Kabul and a corps headquarters along with other military facilities in Kandahar. An ammunition depot and logistics base were also among the targets hit. In Paktia province, a corps headquarters was reportedly eliminated. Taliban representatives acknowledged explosions in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar, confirming a strike on a military center in Kabul around 1:50 a.m., but denied any casualties resulting from the attacks.
On the ground, Pakistani forces have reportedly seized five Afghan border posts in Paktia province opposite South Waziristan, including strategic locations near Shawal, Angoor Adda, and Zarmalan. The Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda was said to have been destroyed during these operations. Intense retaliatory clashes have also been reported in other border sectors such as Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan, and Kurram. Security sources indicate that several Afghan check posts were destroyed and additional militants neutralized. Pakistani forces also shot down multiple quadcopters allegedly deployed by militants against their positions.
However, the conflict has also impacted civilians. In Bajaur’s Laghrai area, mortar shells landed, injuring five people, including three women. The wounded were promptly transported to Khar Hospital for medical treatment. Additionally, a mosque in the vicinity sustained damage during the shelling, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing hostilities. These developments underscore the fragile security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the challenges faced by authorities in protecting both national sovereignty and civilian lives.
