Says flying all such devices will remain completely banned across the country until further notice
The Ministry of Interior on Friday announced a nationwide ban on the use of drones and quadcopters, stating that the flight of all such devices will remain completely banned throughout the country for the time being due to the prevailing security conditions amid the outbreak of open hostilities with Afghanistan.
In a notice issued today, the ministry warned that strict action would be taken immediately against anyone violating the ban. Police and district administrations were asked to launch a crackdown on violators and ensure full implementation of the order.
Pursuant to the federal directive, the interior ministry issued formal letters to Islamabad’s chief commissioner and the chief secretaries of all provinces, instructing them to enforce the ban in their respective jurisdictions.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government also imposed an immediate temporary ban on the outdoor operation of privately owned drones, quadcopters and other remote-controlled aerials across the province.
Read: PAF destroys Taliban depots, headquarters in Laghman as ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ continues: sources
The advisory, issued through the chief secretary’s office, banned individuals, commercial operators and institutions from flying such devices in open areas until further notice. Authorities described the measure as a precautionary step to protect public safety and prevent potential abuse amid ongoing security challenges.
The district administrations were directed to strictly enforce the ban in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Violations will result in prosecution under relevant laws. Citizens were urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary gatherings, especially near sensitive installations, and remain vigilant in residential areas and public areas.
The advisory also warned the public against touching unidentified drone debris or suspicious aerial objects. Individuals were asked to report such sightings immediately to the nearest police station or district control room. Upon discovery, the area would be cordoned off, public access blocked, and only bomb disposal units or trained personnel would inspect the material. Approval will only be given after thorough verification.
Officials stressed that these steps were purely precautionary and urged citizens to rely solely on official sources for information.
The governments of Sindh and Balochistan also banned the use, possession and operation of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), quadcopters, camcopters and other remote-controlled flying devices with immediate effect.
Sindh enforced the ban for two months, while the ban in Balochistan would remain in place for now.
The ban comes amid recent cross-border tensions following unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban forces, which prompted a robust response from Pakistan under ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’.
Also read: PM visits GHQ, vows ‘zero tolerance’ for Afghan Taliban-TTP nexus
During the operation, the Pakistan Air Force targeted key communication posts in Laghman province and destroyed an arms depot, the ABF battalion headquarters and the Nangarhar Brigade, according to security sources.
The sources further said that Afghan Taliban tried to attack Pakistani security checkpoints using quadcopters, but the attacks were foiled after Pakistani forces shot down all the drones in a swift and coordinated response.
Earlier today, Information and Radio Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country’s anti-drone defense system had successfully intercepted and shot down several small drones in Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera.
Fitna al khawarij terrorists have attempted to launch small drones in Abbotabad, Swabi and Nowshera. Anti Drone Systems has brought down all the drones. No damage to life.
The incidents have once again revealed direct links between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorism in Pakistan.
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) 27 February 2026
In a post on social media platform X, the minister said no injuries were reported and attributed the incidents to terrorist activity carried out by Fitna al-Khawarija term used by the state for militants belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
