Pakistan Downs Drones Over Islamabad Amid Escalating Pakistan–Afghanistan Tensions
Islamabad: Pakistani authorities reported drone-related incidents over the capital Islamabad on Friday as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continued to escalate.
According to initial reports, two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were detected flying near the Faizabad interchange, a major junction connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The drones were reportedly shot down by Pakistan Air Force and army air defence systems shortly after being detected. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Reports of Explosions and Drone Activity
Witnesses and local reports suggested that drones or explosions were heard in several areas around the capital, including I-8, I-9, Shamsabad, Hamza Camp near Faizabad, and parts of the Margalla Hills.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show fighter jets scrambling, aerial interceptions, and blast impacts, which reportedly shattered windows in some nearby buildings. However, many of these clips remain unverified.
Temporary Airspace Closure
Authorities briefly closed Islamabad’s airspace following the incident. Flights at Islamabad International Airport were temporarily suspended before operations reportedly resumed later.
Reports also indicated that markets in some areas closed amid panic, while residents gathered outside their homes after hearing loud explosions.
Possible Link to Pakistan–Afghanistan Conflict
Some Afghan-linked sources claimed the drones were launched by Afghan Taliban forces as retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, including operations reportedly carried out in Kabul and Kandahar earlier this week.
However, Pakistani officials described the incident primarily as intercepted aerial threats, emphasising that air defence systems successfully neutralised the drones.
So far, no official confirmation of major damage or casualties in Islamabad has been issued by Pakistani authorities.
Rising Regional Tensions
The incident comes amid a series of tit-for-tat attacks along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, with both sides accusing each other of supporting militant groups.
Security analysts say the latest drone incidents highlight the growing use of unmanned aerial systems in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about potential escalation and the vulnerability of sensitive areas.
Officials have urged the public to rely on verified information, as many videos and claims circulating online have not yet been independently confirmed.
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