ISLAMABAD/QUETTA: At least 23 terrorists have been killed in security operations — 19 militants linked to the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and four armed suspects in a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) raid in Balochistan’s Pishin — officials said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 19 terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij were killed in three intelligence-based operations conducted by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on September 9 and 10.
The IBOs were carried out in Mohmand, North Waziristan and Bannu districts after reports of militant presence in the areas.
In Mohmand’s Guluno area, 14 terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire, while four more were neutralised in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan district. Another militant was killed in an encounter in Bannu district, the ISPR press release read.
The press release further said that weapons and ammunition were recovered from terrorists who were involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas.
“Sanitisation operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining militants,” ISPR said, reiterating that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Separately, four alleged terrorists of Fitna al Khawarij have been killed by in a joint operation in Akalzai Yaro area of Pishin district.
A spokesman for the Balochistan Counter Terrorism Department CTD said here on Thursday that the department and other agencies carried out the intelligence-based operation (IBO). The armed terrorists started firing on the CTD personnel when they cordoned off the area. However, security personnel immediately took position and returned fire.
“Harvey exchange of fire took place for more than an hour during in which four terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khawarij were killed,” the spokesman said, adding that a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from their hideout that include two SMGs along with magazine and cartridges, two 9mm pistols and along with cartridges, and three hand grenades.
The spokesmen said that the suspects, were who were killed, were physically involved in an attack on FC truck in Chaman in January 2025, IED attack on Levies personnel at college road in Chaman in March 2025, target killing of police official Mohammad Hashim in October 2022, and killing of another police official Shaheed Zainullah in November 2022.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating 19 terrorists of Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij.
Both the president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, lauded the bravery and professionalism of the security forces for safeguarding the nation.
“Pakistan is determined to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism,” President Zardari said and reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to completely eradicate terrorism, also praying for the safety and success of the security forces. The prime minister also commended the security forces for successful operations against Fitna al-Khawarij in Mohmand, North Waziristan and Bannu, reiterating that the war against terrorism would continue until its complete elimination from the country.
“The officers and personnel of Pakistan Army are working tirelessly day and night to thwart the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s armed forces in their unwavering resolve to defend the homeland,” Shehbaz reaffirmed.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti expressed satisfaction over the CTD operation and commended the department’s performance, stating that it had thwarted a major terrorist plot through timely action.
“The services of CTD and other security agencies in restoring peace across Balochistan are commendable,” he said in an official statement.
The chief minister reiterated that ensuring a peaceful environment for citizens remains the government’s top priority and stressed that no terrorist or facilitator would be allowed to escape the law.
Meanwhile, in an alarming disclosure, government officials have disclosed that there are more than 8,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), declared “Fitna al-Khawarij”, terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Geo News reported.
The terrorists, the officials added, have crossed into the country from neighbouring Afghanistan via lesser-known routes through the porous border and are present in Peshawar, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Shangla and merged districts. Saying that the militants set up checkpoints on the CPEC Road, DI Khan-Bannu Road and in Tank, the officials added that the terrorists take refuge in the general population and attack security forces. KP, as per the police report, has witnessed more than 600 terrorism incidents in the first eight months of 2025. There were 605 terror incidents in the province till August, which resulted in the martyrdom of 138 civilians, while 352 others were left wounded. Whereas 79 police personnel were martyred and 130 were injured, the report added.