AiBotIslamabad, July 1 – In a move aimed at reiterating its resolve to counter potential security threats emanating from its eastern neighbor, Pakistan’s military has intercepted four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, launched from Afghanistan into the country’s western province of Balochistan on June 30.
According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s public relations wing, the drones were detected by radar systems in the early hours of June 30, with troops successfully intercepting the aerial vehicles in the Chaman border region. The military stated that the drones were subsequently destroyed.
Pakistani officials have expressed their concern over what they describe as “irresponsible actions” by the Taliban-led government in Kabul. In the aftermath of the drone interception, a high-ranking security official speaking on condition of anonymity told Pakistan’s media that the government is likely to issue a formal protest to the Afghan authorities over the incident.
“This is not a unilateral action,” the official stated. “It is part of a trend we have observed over the past few months. We expect the Taliban government to take concrete steps to prevent these provocations from the soil of Afghanistan.”
The interception has sparked a diplomatic crisis between the two nations at a time when Pakistan’s foreign minister is set to embark on a visit to Kabul next week. Pakistan’s foreign minister is expected to express Islamabad’s concerns over the growing security threat posed by drone incursions and cross-border attacks originating from Afghanistan and seek a commitment from the Taliban leadership to stop such incidents.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Pakistani defense establishment have said that the June 30 drone interception marks the 20th known incident of similar nature in just two months, a sharp increase from earlier times when such incidents were largely limited. Islamabad officials are reportedly frustrated with Kabul’s perceived inaction to curb these activities.
“It seems the Afghan authorities are either unable or unwilling to prevent or prosecute individuals involved in activities that pose a threat to regional stability and security,” said a senior official in Islamabad.
Pakistan has long complained of Afghan soil being used by groups involved in cross-border terrorism, including attacks against the security forces in Balochistan. Islamabad has also asked for cooperation in preventing the use of its territory for attacks on other countries. The current drone incursions have further strained the relations between Islamabad and Kabul.