ISLAMABAD: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday informed the National Assembly that the recent wave of Indian drone activity across the border was primarily for surveillance, not immediate strikes, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours remain high.
Addressing lawmakers, Asif stated that Indian drones were allowed to approach a "safe limit" before being intercepted to avoid revealing sensitive military installations. “The intent was reconnaissance, not direct engagement — but let there be no doubt, our armed forces are fully prepared for any escalation,” he said.
He assured the National Assembly that Pakistan’s military was on high alert and operating with high morale. “We are 200 per cent prepared for any situation,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan's defence strategy remains firm and proactive in the face of provocation.
Highlighting international diplomatic efforts, the minister noted that countries including China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Qatar were being engaged daily to de-escalate the situation. “Some of our allies have expressed strong support for Pakistan’s position,” he said.
Separately, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly condemned the Indian actions and voiced his party’s full backing of the military. He told the assembly that India had targeted civilian sites, including mosques and religious seminaries, resulting in casualties.
Rehman announced the JUI-F would observe "Youm-e-Dafa Watan" (Defence of the Homeland Day) and hold rallies to show solidarity with the armed forces. “A march will be held in Peshawar on May 11 and another in Quetta on May 15,” he said.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Pakistan had successfully intercepted and destroyed 77 Israeli-made Harop drones used by India in recent incursions. Of these, 29 were downed between Wednesday and Thursday evening, with another 48 shot down overnight.
“These drones were sent to target both civilian and military infrastructure,” Tarar said, hailing the swift response of Pakistan’s defence systems.
The ongoing drone aggression, though not resulting in open warfare, has significantly raised regional tensions and prompted urgent diplomatic and defence measures from Islamabad.
