Ministry of Interior on Friday imposed a nationwide ban on all commercial and private drone operations following escalating tensions along the Pakistan Afghanistan border. The decision was announced through an official notification after intense clashes were reported in multiple sectors, prompting authorities to tighten security measures across the country. The move comes amid heightened alert after what officials described as unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban regime late Thursday, which significantly aggravated the already fragile border situation.
In parallel, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs Department issued a public advisory enforcing a 30 day ban on outdoor drone flying across the province, including quadcopters and other unmanned aerial vehicles. The department stated that remote attacks using quadcopters and unmanned vehicles had targeted government buildings and installations, particularly in southern districts. It warned that in the prevailing security environment, any regulated or unregulated drone activity could pose direct or indirect threats to public safety, government infrastructure and maintenance of public order. However, limited exemptions were allowed for small indoor drones used for coverage in enclosed venues such as halls and marquees, as well as for intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The provincial government also directed departments and public sector entities to review and enhance security protocols while advising citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor gatherings near sensitive installations. A similar restriction had already been imposed in Punjab earlier in the week, citing comparable security concerns.
The security situation intensified after Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq in response to cross border hostilities. Addressing a media briefing, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated that security forces had repulsed attacks in 15 sectors along the border at 53 different locations. He said more than 74 posts of the Afghan Taliban regime were destroyed and 18 check posts were taken into custody by Pakistani forces. According to the military spokesperson, 115 enemy tanks and armoured vehicles were destroyed, while 22 hideouts linked to Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij were targeted during the operation. He confirmed that 12 security personnel lost their lives and 27 sustained injuries during the retaliatory action. The nationwide drone ban is being viewed as a preventive step to minimise aerial risks and reinforce internal security amid continuing tensions.
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