Thirty terrorists involved in the recent Orakzai attack — which martyred 11 Pakistani security personnel including two officers — have been killed in a major retribution operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
The Orakzai incident, which occurred on Tuesday night in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, took place when security forces launched an intelligence-based operation on reports of the presence of Indian proxy group Fitna Al Khawarij.
Earlier in July, the government officially designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna Al Khawarij, directing all institutions to use the term Khariji (outcast) for the militants responsible for terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
According to the ISPR, the latest counter-terror operation targeted the Jamal Maya area of Orakzai, based on credible intelligence. “All 30 India-sponsored Khawarij involved in the terrorist incident have been sent to hell after an intense exchange of fire,” the military’s media wing said in its statement.
“These successful operations have avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrators to justice,” it added, confirming that sanitisation operations are still under way to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.
The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s security forces remain “steadfast and determined to eradicate India-sponsored terrorism” from the country.
National Leadership Praises Armed Forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for “safeguarding the motherland against the enemy by risking their lives,” reaffirming the government’s commitment to completely eliminate terrorism.
President Asif Ali Zardari, through a statement on the PPP’s official X account, lauded the security forces’ “courageous” actions against India-backed militants. He said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat, who embraced martyrdom in the Orakzai operation.
“Continuous successes against terrorism reflect our national resolve. The brave sons of the soil have written history with their sacrifices,” President Zardari said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the security forces, saying the nation stands united with them. “We will not let the terrorists of Fitna Al Khawarij hide anywhere in Pakistan,” he stated.
Wider Counterterrorism Efforts Continue
The Orakzai incident was followed by another operation in Dera Ismail Khan, where a Pakistan Army major was martyred and seven terrorists were killed.
Last month alone, 19 soldiers were martyred in multiple attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The rising cross-border threat has prompted Islamabad to issue a strong message to the Afghan interim government, urging it to choose between “supporting the Khawarij or standing with Pakistan.”
Pakistan has consistently maintained that TTP militants are operating from Afghan soil, a claim Kabul continues to deny. Meanwhile, Islamabad has also accused India of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, particularly through networks active in Balochistan and former FATA areas.
During the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters, the military reaffirmed its commitment to pursue “comprehensive counterterrorism operations across all domains” to dismantle India-sponsored terror networks, including Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated during a cabinet meeting that the nation is united in its resolve to crush terrorism and protect Pakistan’s sovereignty. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed the sentiment, warning that facilitators of terrorism will be pursued “wherever they are,” whether inside Pakistan or across the border.
