On February 27, 2026, the Afghan Taliban announced a surprising claim of conducting airstrikes on various locations in Pakistan, including military camps near Islamabad. The Taliban's claim is particularly astounding given Afghanistan's limited air force capabilities, primarily consisting of older helicopters and a few drones. In response, the Pakistani government denied the allegations, stating that an attempt was made to attack using small drones, but their anti-drone systems successfully intercepted these threats with no reported damage.

This incident raises significant questions regarding the missile and drone defense systems deployed around Islamabad. Notably, there is speculation about the number of these systems that are of Chinese origin and whether they failed to intercept the Afghan drones during the purported attacks. The implications of this situation not only cast doubt on the reliability of China’s defense technology in Pakistan but also highlight a potential gap in Pakistan's defense against low-level aerial threats from Afghanistan.

The drama surrounding the Taliban's claims and Pakistan's rebuttal underscores a growing tension between the two countries. While the Taliban asserts its air capabilities, Pakistan's denial reflects its ongoing efforts to maintain a strong defense posture amid regional conflicts. The incident could lead to a reassessment of defense strategies by Pakistan and its allies, as the effectiveness of defensive measures against aerial threats becomes a focal point of military discussions in the region.