Islamabad strongly condemned a drone infiltration originating from Afghan territory on September 23, terming it a grave violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan stated that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized all trespassing drones before they could reach their targets. Exercising its inherent right to self-defense, Pakistan subsequently conducted precise air and drone strikes against 10 specific locations inside Afghanistan used for launching and storing the drones.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stated on the social media platform X that the drone incursion from Afghan soil was a deliberate and unlawful act that will not be tolerated. Pakistani authorities confirmed that the air defense network tracked and eliminated all incoming platforms, completely thwarting the attack. This follows a previous incident on September 23 where air defense systems shot down eight entering drones—four near Torkham and four in the mountainous terrain adjacent to Kohat.
Pakistan noted that it has repeatedly raised concerns with the Afghan Taliban government and its interlocutors over the years regarding terrorist safe havens and support networks on Afghan soil. However, rather than taking credible and verifiable action against these networks, the situation was further escalated through drone operations directed at Pakistan. According to official stances, the retaliatory strikes inside Afghanistan were deliberate, precise, proportional, and strictly restricted to military targets directly linked to the incoming drone attacks. Two days prior, Pakistan had announced anti-terrorist operations in Afghan border regions, which officials reported resulted in 28 terrorist fatalities.
Reiterating its position, Pakistan emphasized that no further attacks by terrorist factions or the Afghan Taliban government will be overlooked, and any violation of national sovereignty will meet an immediate, decisive response. Islamabad underscored that threats, denials, or evasion of responsibility cannot curtail Pakistan’s right to self-defense. Pakistan demanded that the Afghan Taliban government immediately halt all hostile activities and fulfill its international obligations by taking robust, verifiable, and permanent action against terrorist elements operating from Afghan territory.
While stressing that it desires regional peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement rather than escalation, Pakistan warned that this policy should not be misconstrued as weakness or unbounded tolerance. The official statement concluded that the nation will utilize its full strength and resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens’ lives against any further provocations.
