At least nine terrorists were eliminated during a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operation conducted on the outskirts of Quetta, while four CTD personnel lost their lives, a spokesperson confirmed on Saturday. The operation targeted the Panjpai and Nohsar areas surrounding Quetta.
During the intense exchange of fire, the CTD successfully neutralised nine militants. However, the operation also resulted in the martyrdom of four personnel and injuries to six others. This operation occurred just hours after another intelligence-driven raid in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.
In the Bannu operation, security forces killed 15 terrorists and injured more than 10. The raid took place within the jurisdiction of Thana Miryan, where a police officer was also martyred. Additionally, a 10-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered and safely defused during the operation. One police official sustained injuries and was promptly transferred to a hospital for treatment.
Since the Afghan Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in cross-border terrorist activities, particularly in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has consistently urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used as a base for terrorist groups targeting Pakistan.
However, the Afghan Taliban regime has declined to take action against these groups, which have been responsible for numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February 2026, months after both countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025 following clashes sparked by unprovoked gunfire from the Afghan Taliban at multiple border points.
Despite several rounds of dialogue, the two nations have yet to reach a lasting agreement, largely due to the Afghan Taliban’s unwillingness to curb terrorist outfits operating within its borders.
