ISLAMABAD, September 24, 2026: Pakistan has strongly condemned what it described as a deliberate and unlawful drone incursion from Afghan territory on September 23, saying the incident violated the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s air defence systems detected, tracked and neutralised all the intruding drones before they could reach their intended targets.
In response, Pakistan conducted precision aerial and drone strikes against 10 locations in Afghanistan that, according to the Pakistani government, were being used to launch and store drones involved in the attempted attacks. Tarar said the strikes were limited to identified military objectives directly linked to the drone incursions.
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Afghan Territory
Pakistan said it has repeatedly conveyed concerns to the Afghan Taliban regime and its interlocutors over what it describes as the continued presence of terrorist sanctuaries and support networks on Afghan soil.
Islamabad maintains that Afghan territory must not be used to launch attacks against Pakistan. The government said the latest drone incident represented an escalation of the security situation along the two countries’ border.
Pakistan also rejected what it described as attempts to deny or deflect responsibility for hostile activity originating from Afghan territory.
Islamabad Calls for Action Against Militants
Pakistan called on the Afghan Taliban regime to immediately cease hostile activity and take what it described as effective, concrete, verifiable and sustained action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
The Pakistani government said Afghanistan should not be allowed to serve as a base for attacks or other hostile operations against Pakistan.
The latest development comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following a series of cross-border security incidents and Pakistani military operations targeting alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan. Recent Pakistani strikes have also drawn condemnation from Afghan authorities, while international reporting has documented conflicting claims from the two sides over casualties and responsibility.
Pakistan Says It Does Not Seek Escalation
Despite the latest military response, Pakistan said it does not seek escalation and remains committed to regional peace, dialogue and constructive engagement.
At the same time, Islamabad said its commitment to dialogue should not be interpreted as acceptance of attacks against its territory.
Pakistan said it would continue to take what it considers necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and citizens, while warning that any further provocative action by the Afghan Taliban would receive a firm response.
