In a significant counterterrorism operation conducted in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces successfully neutralized five terrorists affiliated with the India-backed group known as “Fitna al-Khwarij.” The operation, carried out on Saturday, was intelligence-driven and aimed at preventing a major terrorist attack in the region. However, the mission came at a high cost as two brave soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, lost their lives when militants targeted their convoy.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s official media wing, provided detailed insights into the operation. It revealed that the security forces acted swiftly after receiving credible information about the presence of terrorists, including a vehicle-borne suicide bomber, within Bannu city. The prompt interception of the suicide bomber by the leading group of security personnel thwarted what could have been a devastating attack on innocent civilians and law enforcement officers alike.
Following the initial engagement, the security forces located the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The encounter resulted in the elimination of five militants, effectively dismantling the immediate threat. However, in a desperate and deadly move, the terrorists attempted to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the security convoy’s vehicles. This attack claimed the lives of Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz, aged 43, a courageous commanding officer from Mansehra district known for his frontline leadership, and Sepoy Karamat Shah, aged 28, hailing from Peshawar.
The ISPR condemned the attack and highlighted the ongoing challenge posed by militants who continue to exploit Afghan soil as a base for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan. Despite the holy month of Ramadan, the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to prevent such cross-border terrorism, underscoring the persistent security threats faced by Pakistan. The military reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing these terrorists relentlessly, regardless of their location, emphasizing that no restraint will be exercised in operations against such heinous acts.
Furthermore, the ISPR reiterated that the counterterrorism campaign, conducted under the banner of Vision Azm-e-Istehkam, will continue with full vigor. This nationwide effort, involving Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, aims to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism and protect the country’s sovereignty. The sacrifices of officers like Lt Col Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces in safeguarding the nation.
This recent intelligence-based operation in Bannu follows a similar attack in Bajaur district on February 17, where 11 security personnel were martyred and 12 militants were killed. These incidents reflect a troubling rise in cross-border terrorist activities since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which share borders with Afghanistan, have been particularly vulnerable to these incursions.
In a broader context, the ISPR Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, disclosed in a press briefing earlier this year that law enforcement agencies conducted an unprecedented 75,175 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan in 2025. Of these, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 14,658 operations, Balochistan saw 58,778, and the remaining 1,739 were carried out in other parts of the country. Despite these efforts, the country faced 5,397 terrorist incidents last year, with KP experiencing the highest number at 3,811, followed by Balochistan with 1,557, and only 29 incidents elsewhere.
These counterterrorism operations have resulted in the elimination of 2,597 terrorists nationwide, reflecting the ongoing struggle to curb militancy. The ISPR also highlighted ten major terror attacks targeting civilians and soft targets, all linked to militants operating from Afghan territory. This underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and robust security measures to protect Pakistan’s citizens and maintain regional stability.
