Amnesty International said today that a surge in drone strikes in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province this year has claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, including five children, sparking condemnation from human rights organizations.
Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassé said in a statemen that the latest incident occurred on Friday, June 20, adding to the growing alarm over the escalating violence. Isabelle criticized Pakistani officials for their inaction in safeguarding civilian lives amidst the increasing aerial assaults.
The attacks, involving drones and quadcopters, have reportedly targeted residential areas and even recreational activities, demonstrating a blatant disregard for civilian safety.
International law prohibits the use of such aerial weaponry in attacks that result in unlawful civilian deaths. Lassée stressed the government’s obligation to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into these incidents, ensuring accountability for those responsible through fair judicial processes. Furthermore, Isabelle emphasized the need for reparations, including compensation, for victims and their families, especially in cases where governmental responsibility or negligence is established.
According to the Amnesty International information, multiple drone strikes have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, at least four of which have killed or injured civilians since March 2025.
The latest drone strike on 20 June resulted in the death of one child and left five others injured in Dashka, Makeen Tehsil, South Waziristan district. Earlier this year, on 29 March, a strike in Katlang, Mardan district killed at least 11 people. The provincial government, in a press note, acknowledged civilian casualties.
On 19 May a strike in Hurmuz, Mir Ali, North Waziristan district killed four children and injured five others. The Pakistani authorities denied responsibility, accusing the TehreekiTaliban Pakistan (TTP) of carrying out the attack. On 28 May, a drone struck a volleyball match injuring 22 people, including seven children, in Wana, South Waziristan district. In September last year, a drone strike in Sararogha Tehsil, South Waziristan district killed one person and injured three others.