Security officials in Jammu and Kashmir have reported a concerning rise in the discovery of suspicious balloons carrying Pakistani markings, with the latest incident involving an aeroplane-shaped balloon bearing the insignia of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). In a separate but related find, an abandoned drone was also recovered from fields near the Line of Control (LoC), underscoring ongoing security challenges in the region.
Balloon with PIA Markings Seized in Pargwal
On Monday, December 30, 2025, Indian Army troops deployed in the Pargwal sector along the Line of Control made a significant discovery. They seized an aeroplane-shaped balloon found lying in the fields of Gurah Manhasa village. The object prominently displayed markings of the Pakistan flag and the letters 'PIA' – the acronym for Pakistan International Airlines – written in both English and Urdu scripts. Officials confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the origin and purpose of this balloon and how it reached the area.
Abandoned Drone Recovered in Poonch Village
In a simultaneous development in the Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district, the Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered a drone lying abandoned in the fields of Gohled village, which is also situated close to the sensitive LoC. This discovery adds another layer to the security concerns, as drones have been repeatedly used by terror outfits and drug syndicates based across the border to smuggle arms, ammunition, and narcotics into Indian territory. While the seized balloon has not been found to carry any explosives, the recovery of the drone is being treated with high seriousness.
A Pattern of Increasing Sightings
Security officials highlighted that while such balloons with Pakistani markings have been found in parts of J&K in the past, their sightings have notably increased in recent times. Just days before the Pargwal incident, on Friday, a similar balloon was found in the fields of Ramgarh area in Samba district along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan. Furthermore, on Wednesday, security forces in Kashmir's Baramulla district seized ten balloons carrying Pakistani flags near Sarna Top along the LoC.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shares a 740-km-long Line of Control and a 240-km International Border with Pakistan. While the Army and Border Security Force (BSF) maintain a 24x7 vigil to prevent cross-border infiltration and smuggling, these incidents point to persistent attempts at probing the defences.
In response to the evolving threat, senior police officials have called for enhanced intelligence operations. Deputy Inspector General of Police for Rajouri-Poonch range, Tajinder Singh, recently emphasized the need for innovative intelligence collection and strengthening human intelligence at the grassroots level. He urged proactive policing to effectively counter cross-border narcotics smuggling and terror networks during a security review meeting in Poonch on Sunday.
The recovery of the PIA-marked balloon and the drone has triggered heightened alertness across the region. Security forces have launched extensive search operations to locate any other such suspicious objects. Police sources maintain that the balloons themselves have not been found to be dangerous so far, but they are viewed as potential tools for psychological messaging or testing security responses. The incidents highlight the continuous and adaptive nature of threats along the border, necessitating unwavering vigilance from all security agencies.
