ISLAMABAD – In a significant expansion of domestic security measures, the Government of Pakistan has imposed an immediate, nationwide ban on all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and quadcopters. The decision, finalized on Friday, February 27, 2026, follows the first recorded use of “rudimentary” armed drones by Afghan Taliban forces and Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) to target Pakistani civilians and sensitive installations.
Attacks on Schools and Mosques
The Ministry of Interior moved to enforce the ban after a series of disturbing “low-tech” aerial attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
- Bannu Mosque Attack: During Iftar on Friday, an Afghan-origin quadcopter dropped explosives on a mosque in the Mirbaz Barkazai area, injuring five worshippers.
- Swabi School Strike: In the mountainous Gadoon Amazai region, a “self-made” explosive drone struck near a girls’ school. A young student, identified as Amna, was injured in what officials described as a deliberate attempt to cause terror.
- Abbottabad Interception: A drone flying over the sensitive Cantonment area was successfully neutralized by Pakistan’s anti-drone systems around 1:00 PM on Friday, with no reported damage.
Breakdown of the Nationwide Ban
Under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, all outdoor drone activities—commercial, private, and recreational—are strictly prohibited.
| Region | Duration of Ban | Status |
| Federal Capital (Islamabad) | 2 Months | Enforced; extends to Phantoms and Camcopters. |
| Punjab | 30 Days | Enforced; includes new “Anti-Drone Units” at entry/exit points. |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 1 Month | Enforced; response to “direct threat” to infrastructure. |
| Sindh & Balochistan | 2 Months | Enforced; aims to prevent surveillance and sabotage. |
| AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan | Indefinite | Enforced; heightened security near border sensitive areas. |
Important Note: The ban does not apply to Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) or intelligence services. Limited exemptions for indoor events (weddings/corporate halls) remain in Punjab, provided they occur in “confined areas.”
Military & Diplomatic Context
The drone ban is a critical defensive component of the ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.
- DG ISPR Briefing: Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that the “master proxy” (Taliban regime) is utilizing these quadcopters in coordination with terrorists. He emphasized that Pakistan’s electronic warfare units are now deployed at all 53 border flashpoints to “silence” these aerial threats.
ہمارے لئے اول اور آخر پاکستان ہے۔۔۔
ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر لیفٹیننٹ جنرل احمد شریف#آپریشن_غضب_للحق #OperationGhazabLilHaqq pic.twitter.com/ZZ8V2Y7Q4F— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 27, 2026
- Retaliation: In response to these drone incursions, the PAF has destroyed several drone-launching pads in the Nangarhar and Khost provinces of Afghanistan.
US Support & Global Reaction
- President Donald Trump: On Friday, the US President praised Pakistan’s “strong leadership” and indicated he has a “very, very well” relationship with the country’s Prime Minister and General. He expressed openness to mediating but highlighted that “Pakistan is doing terrifically well” in its self-defense.
- US State Department: Under Secretary Allison M. Hooker reaffirmed Washington’s support for Pakistan’s right to defend its territory against Taliban-backed attacks.
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