A Pakistan Army soldier was martyred and seven terrorists linked to the Indian-backed group Fitna al Khwarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Monday.

According to the ISPR, security forces conducted the operation in Kulachi after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. “During the operation, our troops effectively engaged the Khwarij hideout, and after an intense exchange of fire, seven terrorists were neutralized,” the statement said.

Naik Yasir Khan, 34, displayed exceptional bravery during the operation and embraced martyrdom while defending the nation. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who had been involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.

Sanitization efforts are ongoing to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the area. The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the initiative “Azm-e-Istehkam” will continue vigorously to eradicate foreign-supported terrorism from the country.

Terrorist attacks have surged in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban regime to ensure its territory is not used to launch attacks against Pakistan.

Recently, a meeting of scholars at Kabul University emphasized that Afghan soil should not be used to threaten other nations. Islamabad welcomed the resolution as a positive step but noted that similar commitments in the past were not honored.

During a weekly briefing on December 11, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s demand for written assurances from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used by terrorist groups to target Pakistan.