Says flying of all such devices will remain completely prohibited across country until further notice
The Ministry of Interior on Friday announced a nationwide ban on the use of drones and quadcopters, stating that flying of all such devices would remain completely prohibited across the country until further notice due to the prevailing security conditions amid the breakout of open hostilities with Afghanistan.
In a notification issued today, the ministry warned that strict action would be taken immediately against anyone found violating the ban. Police and district administrations were directed to launch a crackdown on offenders and ensure full implementation of the order.
In line with the federal directive, the Ministry of Interior issued formal letters to the Islamabad 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 aerial devices across the province.
Read: PAF destroys Taliban depots, HQs in Laghman as ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ continues: sources
The advisory, issued through the chief secretary’s office, prohibited individuals, commercial operators, and institutions from flying such devices in open areas until further notice. Authorities described the measure as a precautionary step to safeguard public safety and prevent potential misuse amid ongoing security challenges.
District administrations were directed to enforce the ban rigorously in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Violations would attract legal action under relevant laws. Citizens were urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary gatherings, particularly near sensitive installations, and remain vigilant in residential and public areas.
The advisory also warned the public against touching unidentified drone debris or suspicious aerial objects. Individuals were instructed to report such sightings immediately to the nearest police station or district control room. Upon discovery, the area would be cordoned off, public access barred, and only bomb disposal units or trained personnel would inspect the material. Clearance would be granted only after thorough verification.
Officials emphasised that these steps were purely precautionary and urged citizens to rely exclusively on official sources for information.
The Sindh and Balochistan governments also banned the use, possession and operation of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), quadcopters, camcopters and other remote-controlled flying devices, effective immediately.
Sindh enforced the ban for two months, while the prohibition in Balochistan would remain in place until further notice.
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 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 the Afghan Taliban attempted to strike Pakistani security check posts using quadcopters, but the attacks were thwarted after Pakistani forces shot down all the drones in a swift and coordinated response.
Earlier today, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the country’s anti-drone defence system had successfully intercepted and shot down multiple 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 have brought down all the drones. No damage to life.
The incidents have again exposed direct linkages between 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 were reported and attributed the incidents to terrorist activity carried out by the Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by the state for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
