ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has imposed an immediate nationwide ban on all drone operations, citing a heightened security environment and ongoing counterterror operations.
The directive from Interior Ministry covers commercial, recreational and privately owned unmanned aerial vehicles of every category. Authorities have instructed provincial administrations to enforce the order strictly until further notice.
Officials stressed that full control of low-altitude airspace is now considered essential to national security. Any violation of the ban will invite legal action, while public cooperation has been described as mandatory.
Drone attacks
The sweeping restriction comes amid rising tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. According to security sources, militants attempted drone attacks in Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Pakistan’s anti-drone defence systems intercepted and shot down all incoming devices. He stated that no casualties or property damage were reported.
Tarar added that the incidents exposed what he described as direct linkages between the Afghan Taliban and militant activity inside Pakistan.
Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq
The developments follow Pakistan’s launch of “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq” in response to what officials termed unprovoked cross-border attacks at 53 points. Security sources said several Taliban military headquarters, tanks, artillery units and check posts were destroyed during the operation.
Officials reported that Afghan forces initiated firing at multiple border locations, prompting a large-scale Pakistani response. More than 115 tanks, artillery pieces and armoured vehicles were claimed destroyed. In addition, 73 check posts were completely demolished and 18 taken over by Pakistani forces.
Separate security claims indicated that dozens of border posts were damaged, with hundreds of Taliban fighters killed or injured during the broader exchange. Pakistani authorities also reported 12 personnel martyred on their side.
The Pakistan Air Force carried out overnight strikes targeting installations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Nangarhar.
Security officials said two brigade headquarters were destroyed in Kabul, while a corps headquarters and additional facilities were targeted in Kandahar. An ammunition depot and logistics base were also reported hit. In Paktia, a corps headquarters was claimed eliminated.
Taliban officials acknowledged explosions in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar, stating that a military centre in Kabul was struck around 1:50am, though they denied casualties from the strikes.
Pakistani forces also reported capturing five Afghan posts in Paktia province opposite South Waziristan, including positions near Shawal, Angoor Adda and Zarmalan. The Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda was said to have been destroyed.
Heavy retaliatory exchanges were reported in Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan and Kurram sectors. Security sources said several Afghan check posts were destroyed and additional fighters killed, while quadcopters allegedly used against Pakistani positions were shot down.
In Bajaur, mortar shells reportedly landed in the Laghrai area, injuring five civilians, including three women. The wounded were shifted to Khar Hospital for treatment, and a mosque in the area sustained damage.
