Pakistan's Drone Operations Inside Its Borders
Pakistan has long been engaged in a covert and high-stakes drone campaign aimed at targeting terrorist groups within its borders. While the government touts the increased precision and effectiveness of these strikes, reports suggest that civilian casualties continue to cast a shadow over the campaign.
Drone Strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Waziristan
In early 2025, Pakistani security forces conducted drone strikes against alleged terrorist hideouts in the volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Although these attacks reportedly eliminated multiple high-value militants, unintended deaths among civilians, including women and children, have drawn criticism from local officials and opposition parties alike.
Just last month, a drone strike targeting militants in Lower South Waziristan inadvertently injured over 20 civilians gathered at a sporting event. Moreover, a separate strike in North Waziristan tragically claimed the lives of four children, sparking condemnation and calls for reassessment of the drone operation strategies.
Pakistan Among Few Nations Using Drones Domestically
Pakistan is one of only four countries that deploy drones inside their own borders against terrorist threats, alongside Iraq, Nigeria, and Turkey. Despite the extensive use of this technology, Pakistan has yet to formally acknowledge the drone campaign publicly, maintaining a level of strategic ambiguity.
Online Amplification of the Drone Campaign
In a noticeable shift, Pakistani security agencies have recently become more vocal on digital platforms about their drone operations. Viral videos purportedly showing drone strikes on Taliban militants attempting incursions provide a glimpse into the unfolding conflict on social media. Though the authenticity of these clips remains unverified, many originate from pro-military outlets and seem to be part of a coordinated digital narrative designed to counter criticism.
Legacy of US Drone Strikes and Their End
The United States carried out numerous drone strikes in Pakistan targeting Al Qaeda, the Pakistani Taliban, and allied militants between 2004 and 2016. Notably, these strikes included the killing of key figures such as Taliban commander Nek Muhammad and Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour. US drone activity largely ceased after 2018, coinciding with shifts in geopolitical priorities.
Persistent Terrorism Challenges in Pakistan
As one of the countries most affected by terrorism globally, Pakistan continues to grapple with threats from groups like the Pakistani Taliban and the Baloch Liberation Army. This persistent violence and associated financial flows previously placed Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list from 2018.
After committing to a stringent 34-point action plan—including reforms targeting money laundering and terror financing—Pakistan was removed from the grey list in October 2022 after a thorough evaluation. However, regional neighbors emphasize the necessity for sustained, credible counterterrorism efforts.
Balancing Security and Civilian Safety
Pakistan's drone campaign reflects the delicate act of countering deeply entrenched terrorist networks while attempting to minimize harm to civilians. As technology evolves and operations intensify, the ongoing civilian casualties highlight the urgent need for enhanced precision and clearer accountability. In the high-stakes fight against terrorism, ensuring the protection of innocent lives remains paramount.
