Pakistan is turning to an unconventional measure to protect security posts from Pakistan drone attacks, with fishing nets being installed over vulnerable military and police checkpoints in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The measure comes amid increasing drone attacks attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) near the Afghanistan border.
The nets are being used across several districts, including Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan, as security forces seek relatively inexpensive ways to reduce the threat posed by drones.
How Fishing Nets Could Help Against Drones
The basic idea is to place the nets overhead between rooftops and perimeter walls. Security officials believe a drone flying directly toward a checkpoint could become entangled in the mesh before reaching its target.
Officials have also suggested that if a drone detonates above the net, some explosive fragments could be dispersed rather than falling directly onto people or structures below.
The approach is considerably cheaper than dedicated counter-drone systems. A netted checkpoint reportedly costs around $1,400, while anti-drone systems can range from thousands to millions of dollars.
However, defence experts have cautioned that the nets are not a complete solution. They could potentially provide limited protection but cannot replace systems designed to detect and intercept drones before they reach sensitive locations.
TTP’s Growing Use of Drone Warfare
The development comes as the TTP has increasingly incorporated commercially available drones into its attacks. According to the report, the group established a dedicated drone unit in December 2025 and has continued developing its ability to modify and operate inexpensive quadcopters.
Hangu has been particularly affected, with a drone attack on the Sarki Piyala police checkpoint in April killing one person and injuring several others.
Pakistan has existing counter-drone capabilities, including systems sourced from China and Turkey, while it has also sought additional technology to address gaps in its defences.
The fishing nets therefore represent a low-cost protective measure rather than a comprehensive answer to the growing drone threat.
Relevant Link: United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism
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