In a decisive move reflecting the escalating security challenges along its western frontier, Pakistan has announced an immediate and comprehensive ban on all drone operations across the country. This sweeping prohibition encompasses commercial, recreational, and privately owned unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of all types and categories. The Interior Ministry has issued strict instructions to provincial authorities to ensure rigorous enforcement of this directive until further notice, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining full control over low-altitude airspace as a matter of national security.
The decision to ground all drones comes amid a surge in hostile activities along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where security forces have recently intercepted multiple drone attacks targeting key areas such as Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Pakistan’s advanced anti-drone defense systems successfully detected and neutralized all incoming UAV threats, preventing any casualties or damage to property. He further highlighted that these incidents have revealed direct operational links between the Afghan Taliban and militant factions operating within Pakistan, underscoring the complex security dynamics in the region.
These developments follow the initiation of “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq,” a robust military campaign launched by Pakistan in response to what officials describe as unprovoked cross-border assaults at 53 different points along the frontier. military sources, the operation has inflicted significant damage on Taliban infrastructure, including the destruction of several military headquarters, tanks, artillery units, and numerous check posts. Pakistani forces reported that Afghan troops opened fire at multiple border locations, triggering a large-scale retaliatory offensive.
During the operation, Pakistani forces claimed to have destroyed over 115 tanks, artillery pieces, and armored vehicles belonging to militant groups. In addition, 73 Taliban check posts were completely demolished, while 18 others were captured by Pakistani troops. The intense clashes resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with Pakistani authorities confirming the martyrdom of 12 personnel. Meanwhile, dozens of Taliban fighters were reportedly killed or wounded, and several border posts sustained damage amidst the ongoing hostilities.
The Pakistan Air Force played a pivotal role by conducting overnight airstrikes targeting key Taliban installations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Nangarhar provinces. Military officials stated that two brigade headquarters in Kabul were destroyed, along with a corps headquarters and other strategic facilities in Kandahar. Additionally, an ammunition depot and a logistics base were hit during the strikes. In Paktia province, Pakistani forces claimed to have eliminated a corps headquarters, further degrading Taliban command and control capabilities. While Taliban representatives acknowledged explosions in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar, they denied any casualties resulting from the aerial bombardments.
Ground operations also saw Pakistani troops capturing five Afghan posts in Paktia province, directly opposite South Waziristan. Positions near Shawal, Angoor Adda, and Zarmalan were seized, with the Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda reportedly destroyed. The conflict extended to other border sectors, including Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan, and Kurram, where intense retaliatory exchanges took place. Security officials noted the destruction of several Afghan check posts and the elimination of additional militant fighters. Notably, Pakistani forces shot down multiple quadcopters allegedly deployed against their positions.
Unfortunately, the violence has also impacted civilians in the border regions. In Bajaur’s Laghrai area, mortar shells landed, injuring five people, including three women. The injured were promptly transported to Khar Hospital for medical treatment. Additionally, a mosque in the vicinity sustained damage during the shelling. These incidents highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for de-escalation along the volatile border.
Overall, Pakistan’s comprehensive drone ban and the intensified military operations underscore the country’s determination to safeguard its borders and maintain internal security amid a challenging geopolitical environment. Authorities continue to urge public cooperation in adhering to the drone restrictions, warning that any violations will result in strict legal consequences. As tensions persist, the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains highly fluid, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance to counter emerging threats.
