Said that the theft of all these devices will remain completely prohibited across the country until further notice
The Interior Ministry on Friday announced a nationwide ban on the use of drones and quadcopters, saying the flight of all such devices would remain completely banned across the country until further notice due to the prevailing security conditions amid the outbreak of open hostilities with Afghanistan.
In a notification issued today, the ministry warned that strict action would be taken immediately against anyone violating the ban. The police and district administrations have been directed to launch a crackdown against offenders and ensure full implementation of the order.
In line with the federal directive, the Interior Ministry has issued official letters to the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the chief secretaries of all provinces, asking them to implement the ban in their respective jurisdictions.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has also imposed an immediate temporary ban on the outdoor operation of private drones, quadcopters and other remotely controlled aerial devices across the province.
Read: PAF destroys Taliban depots and HQs in Laghman as “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” continues: sources
The advisory, issued by the chief secretary’s office, prohibits individuals, commercial operators and institutions from flying such aircraft in open areas until further notice. Authorities described the move as a precautionary measure to preserve public safety and prevent potential misuse amid ongoing security concerns.
District administrations have been directed to strictly enforce the ban in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Violations would result in legal action under relevant laws. Citizens were urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary gatherings, especially near sensitive facilities, and remain vigilant in residential and public areas.
The advisory also warns the public against contact with unidentified drone debris or suspicious aerial objects. Individuals have been asked to immediately report such sightings to the nearest police station or district control room. Upon discovery, the area would be cordoned off, public access prohibited and only bomb disposal units or qualified personnel would inspect the material. Permission would only be granted after a thorough check.
Officials stressed that these measures were purely preventive and urged citizens to rely exclusively on official sources for information.
The ban comes amid recent cross-border tensions following unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban forces, which prompted Pakistan to respond vigorously under “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq”.
Read also: PM visits GHQ, pledges ‘zero tolerance’ for Afghan Taliban-TTP nexus
During the operation, the Pakistan Air Force targeted key Taliban positions in Laghman province, destroying an arms depot, the ABF battalion headquarters and the Nangarhar Brigade, according to security sources.
The sources further said that the Afghan Taliban attempted to strike Pakistani security checkpoints using quadcopters, but the attacks were thwarted after Pakistani forces shot down all the drones in a rapid and coordinated response.
Earlier in the day, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country’s anti-drone defense system successfully intercepted and shot down several small drones in Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera.
Fitna al Khawarij terrorists attempted to launch small drones in Abbotabad, Swabi and Nowshera. Anti-drone systems shot down all the drones. No harm to life.
These incidents have once again exposed the direct links between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorism in Pakistan.
– Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) February 27, 2026
In a post on social media platform X, the minister said no casualties had been reported and attributed the incidents to terrorist activities carried out by the Fitna al-Khawarijterm used by the state to refer to militants belonging to the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
