Despite the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, reached through high-level military negotiations, drone incursions launched from Pakistani soil continue to threaten security and disrupt civilian aviation in northern India.
This brazen disregard for the ceasefire is not in line with any Pakistani military objective. It is the result of dangerous fragmentation within Pakistan’s military command, with local commanders openly defying their senior leadership.
Yesterday’s discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries resulted in clear commitments to halt all hostilities. However, there is now a significant internal dissension within Pakistan’s military ranks, where General Asim Munir, the Army Chief, appears unable to control rebellious ground commanders along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Boundary (IB).
General Munir’s direct contact and instruction channel with Pakistan’s DGMO makes it clear that the ceasefire talks and understanding were, in fact, his decisions. Thus, the ongoing drone attacks from Pakistan demonstrate blatant insubordination by local commanders, who seem determined to escalate tensions independently.
The drone provocations have already severely disrupted India’s civilian air operations, forcing cancellations of flights to key northern locations such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, and Chandigarh. Air India and IndiGo were one of the first domestic carriers to announce this temporary halt in flights to these places.
Given these circumstances, it is no surprise that India is expected to decisively neutralise the drone threat. Strategic experts and security analysts are already strongly advocating for India to conduct targeted military strikes on drone launchpads along the LoC and IB in relevant circles.
Eliminating these drone launch facilities is essential to halt the current wave of cross-border provocations and establish credible deterrence.
Targeted airstrikes or precision-guided missile attacks on identified drone launch sites along LoC and IB would decisively disrupt Pakistan’s capacity to launch further aerial incursions. These rogue commanders have been emboldened under the false assumption that India will not strike back and only stick to defence. Decisive action is now viewed as necessary to restore deterrence and credibility.
Additionally, India could enhance border security through advanced drone detection and anti-drone systems to ensure early interception. Diplomatic pressure combined with actionable intelligence should also be leveraged to internationally isolate Pakistan for not being able to rein in such hostile activities.
The broader strategic question remains whether General Munir can restore discipline among his forces. Until Pakistan’s army leadership regains control, India faces a continued threat requiring immediate and robust action against the drone launch infrastructure. Failure to act decisively now risks emboldening further provocations that could spiral dangerously out of control.