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Pakistan’s Drone Dilemma: Secret Strikes Amid Growing Militancy

The country shifts tactics, embracing drone warfare in a bid to combat internal threats, raising questions about ethics and impact on civilians.

By Zia ur-RehmanSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Pakistan’s Drone Dilemma: Secret Strikes Amid Growing Militancy
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

As Pakistan battles rising militancy, it has turned to drone warfare, mirroring tactics it once criticized. While aimed at improving security, the operations have brought civilian casualties, which may further incite public anger.

In recent conflicts, while the world watched drone technology evolve in military encounters, a quieter, more deadly campaign has emerged within Pakistan itself. With an alarming rise in Islamist militancy and persistent insurgency issues, the Pakistani government has covertly adopted drone strikes to target militants—particularly in hard-to-reach areas.Despite a historical stance against U.S. drone strikes that previously targeted groups like Al-Qaeda, which led to civilian casualties, Pakistan is now utilizing this same technology. Officials insist improvements have been made for precision; however, the unintended collateral damage raises concerns. This tactic, once a point of controversy for Pakistan, poses serious ethical questions as civilian lives are increasingly at risk, possibly deepening dissatisfaction with the government and its strategies.

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