Security forces successfully eliminated 31 terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy group “Fitna al Khwarij” during two major intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on September 13 and 14, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Monday.
According to the ISPR, the first operation was carried out in Lakki Marwat district after credible intelligence about the presence of militants. “During the engagement, our troops effectively targeted the Khwarij location, and after a fierce exchange of fire, 14 Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” the statement read.
The second operation unfolded in Bannu district, where 17 more terrorists were neutralised. Security officials confirmed that follow-up sanitisation operations are underway to clear the area of any remaining threats.
The military’s media wing reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism from the country. “No matter how long it takes, we will eliminate every trace of Indian-sponsored terrorism,” the statement emphasised.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy, warning Afghanistan to stop allowing its soil to be used for attacks against Pakistan. He stressed that Kabul must choose whether to side with terrorists or stand with Pakistan.
The latest incidents come amid a surge in cross-border terrorism since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Militants have particularly targeted KP and Balochistan, taking advantage of the porous 2,500-kilometre border.
Security experts note that masterminds and facilitators of these groups are hiding in Afghanistan with support from India. This claim aligns with a United Nations Security Council report that revealed links between Kabul and the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), including operational and financial support.
Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a sharp 74% increase in militant attacks in August compared to July, with 194 fatalities recorded in just one month. Meanwhile, under Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, more than 554,000 Afghans have returned since April 2025, including 145,000 in August alone.
