It says that flying with all these devices will remain completely prohibited throughout the country until further notice.
The Ministry of Interior on Friday announced a nationwide ban on the use of drones and quadcopters, stating that flying such devices would remain completely banned across the country until further notice due to 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 were directed to take stern action against violators and ensure full implementation of the order.
In compliance with the federal directive, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent formal letters to the chief commissioner of Islamabad and chief secretaries of all provinces directing 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 remotely controlled aerial devices across the province.
Read: PAF destroys Taliban warehouses, headquarters 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 move as a precautionary measure 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, especially near sensitive facilities, and remain alert in residential and public areas.
The advisory also warned the public not to touch unidentified drone debris or suspicious aerial objects. People were directed to immediately report such sightings to the nearest police station or district control room. Upon discovery, the area would be cordoned off, public access would be prohibited, and only bomb disposal units or trained personnel would inspect the material. Authorization would only be granted after thorough verification.
Officials emphasized that these measures were purely preventive and urged citizens to rely exclusively 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, videocopters and other remotely controlled flying devices, with immediate effect.
Sindh enforced the ban for two months, while in Balochistan the ban would remain in force until further notice.
The ban comes amid recent cross-border tensions following unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban forces, which prompted a forceful response from Pakistan under “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.”
Read also: PM visits HQ, vows ‘zero tolerance’ towards Afghan Taliban-TTP nexus
During the operation, the Pakistan Air Force attacked key Taliban positions in Laghman province, destroying a weapons depot, the ABF battalion headquarters and the Nangarhar brigade, according to security sources.
Sources further said that the Afghan Taliban attempted to attack Pakistani security checkpoints using quadcopters, but the attacks were foiled after Pakistani forces shot down all the drones in a rapid and coordinated response.
Earlier today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country’s anti-drone defense 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. The anti-drone systems have shot down all the drones. There is no damage to life.
The 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 were reported and attributed the incidents to terrorist activity carried out by the Fitna al-Khawarijterm used by the State to refer to militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
