Drone ban in Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan’s major security move amid Afghan border tensions

New Delhi. The Pakistan administration has banned drone flights in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with immediate effect. This decision has been taken on the instructions of the Pakistan Home Ministry and is being linked to the growing security concerns in the region. The spokesperson of Gilgit-Baltistan Police has clarified that strict legal action will be taken against those violating the ban. However, law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies have been given exemption to use drones as part of their professional duties. This decision is said to have been taken with the aim of maintaining stability in the region.

This move comes amid heightened tensions along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Security agencies have been vigilant about the potential misuse of drones, particularly along the Durand Line. The ban is believed to be a precautionary measure, given the potential for surveillance and attacks in sensitive areas.

On the other hand, the Taliban government of Afghanistan has made a big claim, saying that it killed 55 Pakistani soldiers in the overnight military operations. According to the Taliban statement, these attacks took place along the Durand Line near Paktika Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan provinces. The Taliban also claimed that two Pakistani military bases and 19 outposts were captured. The statement said that this action was taken in response to alleged provocation by the Pakistani army and the operation was ended at midnight on the orders of the Chief of General Staff of the Islamic Emirate.

However, Pakistan has categorically denied these claims. The Pakistani military says it retaliated by carrying out airstrikes on several Afghan targets, killing a large number of Taliban fighters. The claims from both sides vary significantly, making it difficult to accurately understand the ground situation.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are not new. The Durand Line has been a dispute for decades, and after the return of the Taliban regime, accusations and counter-accusations between the two countries have intensified over the activities of organizations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Cross-border attacks and retaliatory strikes have further deepened the mistrust.

The drone ban in Gilgit-Baltistan is seen as part of this broader security landscape. Experts believe that the increasing use of drone technology in modern conflicts is posing new challenges for security agencies. In this context, Pakistan is seeking to mitigate potential threats by imposing a ban in sensitive border areas. This is considered the most effective way to prevent the situation from escalating.