ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Mar 14, (V7N) – President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday condemned drone attacks launched by the Afghan Taliban against civilian areas in Pakistan, calling them a violation of sovereignty and “crossing a red line.”

Pakistan’s military said the drones, described as “rudimentary,” were intercepted Friday night before reaching their intended targets, including army headquarters in Rawalpindi. Debris injured two children in Quetta and one civilian each in Kohat and Rawalpindi.

Security sources said airspace around Islamabad was temporarily closed as a precaution. The military said the drones were intended to “harass the brave people of Pakistan” but failed to hit their targets.

The incident followed Pakistani strikes overnight Thursday–Friday that killed civilians in Kabul and border provinces. Taliban authorities vowed retaliation, including against Islamabad.

In a post on X, Zardari’s office said: “Pakistan will not tolerate its civilians being targeted. Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against neighbours. Pakistan will defend its people.”

Pakistan last month launched military operations against Afghanistan, targeting what it said were Islamist extremists. The Taliban government denied involvement, insisting Afghan territory is not used for militancy.

Border clashes have intensified in recent weeks, disrupting trade and displacing residents. The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured since February 26 due to the fighting.

END/WD/RH/