Pakistan Bans Drone Operations Nationwide Amid Afghan Tensions

On February 27, 2026, the Government of Pakistan imposed an immediate nationwide ban on all drone operations, both commercial and recreational, due to escalating tensions with Afghanistan and recent drone attacks attributed to Afghan Taliban forces. The ban was announced following incidents where rudimentary drones targeted various locations in Pakistan, resulting in injuries to at least six individuals, including schoolchildren. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry of the Inter-Services Public Relations stated, "The anti-drone system over there and the effective deployment took them out," referring to the successful interception of drones in Abbottabad and Swabi. The Ministry of Interior's directive emphasized the need for strict enforcement, stating, "It has been decided to impose an immediate ban on outdoor flying of quadcopters/UAVs with immediate effect and until further orders."