DG ISPR Says Pakistan Ready to Counter Regional Drone Threats

Pakistan possesses the operational capability to intercept drones approaching from Afghanistan or India, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said. His remarks addressed the growing use of unmanned aircraft and other emerging technologies in regional conflicts.

The military spokesperson said the armed forces were adapting to changes in both conventional and non-contact warfare. He identified drones, cyber operations and long-range weapons as areas requiring continuous assessment as militaries and armed groups gain access to more advanced capabilities.

Referring to Pakistan’s previous confrontation with India, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistani forces had intercepted dozens of sophisticated drones sent across the eastern border. He presented that experience as evidence that the country had developed the readiness required to respond to similar threats from either side of its borders.

The spokesperson argued that Afghanistan did not possess an indigenous drone industry and alleged that any advanced systems available to the Afghan Taliban had been supplied by outside sponsors. He further accused India of supporting groups operating against Pakistan. These assertions represent Pakistan’s official position and have been disputed by the parties accused by Islamabad.

Asked about the role of artificial intelligence and other emerging systems in military operations, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces were incorporating technologies needed to respond to the changing nature of warfare. He did not disclose how artificial intelligence, quantum technology or cyber capabilities were being applied, citing the sensitive nature of military operations.

The comments come amid another period of strain between Pakistan and Afghanistan, marked by cross-border firing, militant attacks and competing allegations from Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has repeatedly demanded action against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other groups it says use Afghan territory to organise attacks inside the country.

Lt Gen Chaudhry rejected the idea that Afghanistan should be internationally isolated, arguing instead for sustained engagement accompanied by pressure on the Taliban administration to behave as a responsible governing authority. He said Pakistan’s central demand was that Afghan territory must not be used to shelter militant leaders or support violence across the border.

The expanding availability of relatively inexpensive drones has created new security challenges for Pakistan because such systems can be used for surveillance, attacks or the delivery of explosives. Protecting border installations, civilian areas and critical infrastructure will require detection equipment, electronic countermeasures and coordinated responses among security institutions.

Pakistan’s military is expected to continue monitoring drone activity along its borders while developing its technological and operational capabilities. At the diplomatic level, Islamabad is likely to maintain pressure on Kabul over militant sanctuaries while seeking international support for verifiable action against groups accused of conducting cross-border attacks.