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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed diplomats on Tuesday on the country&rsquo;s security policy, regional tensions, and diplomatic priorities, including the disputed Kashmir region, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Foreign Office reported that the briefing marked the first anniversary of <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistans-diplomatic-strength-postmarkaehaq" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marka-e-Haq</a>. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051676567013871792&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F5685%2F&sessionId=24d8a0adf67c89703109f3a91c626e29c71ba3d3&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div></div> Marka-e-Haq, meaning &ldquo;Battle of Truth,&rdquo; is the official designation for the military conflict with India from April 22 to May 10, 2025. It includes Pakistan&rsquo;s response under Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos following Indian conventional strikes on civilian infrastructure on the night of May 6, 2025. The foreign minister described the operation as a symbol of national unity and of Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces&#39; resolve to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said Pakistan&rsquo;s response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was measured, lawful, and in line with the UN Charter. He stated that only military installations were targeted and warned of risks of escalation, civilian harm, and threats to regional peace. The foreign minister said the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bjp-targeting-islamic-institutions-to-erase-iiojk-identity-says-former-cm" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">IIOJK</a>) remains a key source of regional instability. He called for its resolution under United Nations auspices, according to the ministry. Dar also cautioned against unilateral actions related to the Indus Waters Treaty. He said Pakistan remains committed to multilateral engagement, peacekeeping, and international cooperation. He also briefed diplomats on Pakistan&rsquo;s role in supporting ceasefire efforts and mediation initiatives in the Gulf region and the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/us-israel-war-on-iran-day-67" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Middle East</a>. The minister reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s position in favor of dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence in South Asia. China envoy meets Pakistan FM on Marka-e-Haq anniversary China&rsquo;s ambassador to Pakistan met Dar on the anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. Ambassador Jiang Zaidong congratulated the Pakistani FM on &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s decisive success&rdquo; during the 2025 conflict. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 696px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051691298135126122&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Flogin%2F&sessionId=a5b9dfb6e49d814bb83fcc6ff6f4a5c0f4e0e931&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2051691298135126122"></iframe></div></div> The Chinese envoy described the relationship between Pakistan and China as an &ldquo;All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership&rdquo;. Meanwhile, Dar said Pakistan remained committed to advancing the strategic partnership with China across all sectors. Consular services reviewed In a separate statement, the foreign office stated that Dar also chaired a meeting on consular services and support for Pakistani nationals. He called for improved coordination between government institutions and said consular services should be made more efficient. This includes passport issuance and assistance for citizens abroad. The deputy prime minister also called for streamlined systems to support overseas Pakistanis. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 672px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2051686829091324261&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F5685%2F&sessionId=24d8a0adf67c89703109f3a91c626e29c71ba3d3&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> The meeting was attended by the interior minister, the foreign secretary, the interior secretary, and senior officials from the foreign and interior ministries, according to the ministry.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefs the diplomatic corps on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on May 5, 2026. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/X)

Security

Foreign minister briefs diplomats on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, outlining its position on the 2025 conflict with India, regional security, and related diplomatic developments.

Pakistan reinforces security doctrine on Marka-e-Haq anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a second consecutive month of improving security indicators in April, with terrorist attacks and related casualties falling sharply, according to new figures released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. The Islamabad-based research and monitoring organization, which tracks conflict and terrorism trends across Pakistan, reported 85 verified terrorist attacks in April, down from 146 in March, marking a 42% decline. Fatalities from terrorist attacks also dropped significantly, from 106 in March to 60 in April, extending a downward trend that began in March, when overall violence-related deaths had already fallen by 35%. The report comes as Pakistan continues to assess the impact of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, its cross-border military campaign launched in late February against terrorist infrastructure and support networks operating from Afghan territory. Pakistani officials have repeatedly said the operation, combined with intensified domestic security measures, has reduced the operational capacity of terrorist groups and contributed to a broader decline in violence. According to PICSS, total combat-related deaths in April stood at 291, including those killed in terrorist attacks and security operations. The report said 224 terrorists were killed in security operations during the month, accounting for 77% of all combat-related deaths. That figure remains close to March&rsquo;s total of 228 terrorists killed, reflecting what PICSS described as sustained operational pressure by security forces. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces for foiling two recent infiltration attempts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Mohmand and North Waziristan, where the military said 13 terrorists linked to &ldquo;Fitna al-Khawarij&rdquo; were killed. Sharif said the operations reflected the professionalism of the armed forces in preventing cross-border infiltration and protecting national security. &ldquo;We will continue the fight against the scourge of terrorism until it is completely eradicated from the country,&rdquo; Sharif said in a statement, referring to the military operations that thwarted the infiltration attempts. &ldquo;The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with our brave armed forces in the unwavering resolve to defend our homeland,&rdquo; he added. In total, according to the PICSS report, security forces have killed 988 terrorists in the first four months of 2026. Losses among security forces also declined sharply, dropping from 59 in March to 28 in April. A 53% reduction. Civilian deaths remained largely stable at 37, compared to 39 in March. The report said overall injuries fell from 210 in March to 131 in April, a 38% decline. Civilian injuries dropped from 98 to 54, while injuries among terrorists declined from 57 to 31. Injuries among security personnel fell slightly from 48 to 46. The highest concentration of terrorist activity remained in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, though both regions recorded improvements. In northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa&rsquo;s tribal districts, attacks fell by 40%, while deaths linked to those attacks dropped by 82%, according to the report. At the same time, security forces intensified operations there, killing 120 terrorists, up sharply from 24 in March. Southwestern Balochistan province also recorded a 69% decline in attacks, falling from 59 to 18. Security forces killed 66 terrorists in the province during April. PICSS reported no terrorist attacks in Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir or Islamabad during the month. However, intelligence-based operations in those regions led to multiple arrests. The report noted that while terrorist groups continue to carry out attacks, their operational effectiveness appears to be declining under sustained military and law enforcement pressure.

PM Sharif commends security forces for foiling cross-border infiltration attempts as a new PICSS report shows terrorist attacks and casualties declined for a second straight month, reflecting sustained operational pressure across Pakistan.

Pakistan records second straight drop in terrorist violence: Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces have killed 663 Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorists and injured more than 887 others during the ongoing cross-border campaign conducted under Operation Ghazab lil Haq, as the operation enters its third week.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar released the latest operational summary on Friday, saying the military campaign continues to target terrorist infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, Tarar said the operation has resulted in the destruction of 249 check posts and 224 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery systems linked to the Afghan Taliban and associated terrorist groups.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2032430603661111557&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles&sessionId=40893888f87bca9bc9630755cd101612bb851e9b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 786px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;According to the minister, 70 locations linked to terrorists and their support infrastructure across Afghanistan have also been effectively targeted through air operations.&nbsp;&ldquo;It is pertinent to mention that on the night of March 12&ndash;13, 2026, Pakistan successfully targeted terrorists&rsquo; affiliated installations in Afghanistan,&rdquo; Tarar said.&nbsp;He added that sites in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar were struck, including terrorist logistical bases camps and operational hubs.&nbsp;Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq following what officials described as repeated cross-border attacks from Afghan territory targeting security forces and civilian areas in Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern regions.&nbsp;Islamabad says the campaign is aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil and preventing further infiltration into Pakistan.&nbsp;Pakistani officials have repeatedly stated that the strikes are directed at verified terrorist infrastructure rather than civilian targets.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan is targeting only the infrastructure of terrorists and their support networks,&rdquo; Tarar said, adding that the operations are conducted on the basis of &ldquo;accurate intelligence information.&rdquo;&nbsp;The information minister also rejected claims circulating from the Afghan Taliban authorities and reports attributed to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan suggesting civilian casualties from the strikes.&nbsp;Tarar said the UN mission&rsquo;s information in Kabul relies on data provided by the Taliban authorities and does not reflect Pakistan&rsquo;s operational assessments.&nbsp;He also dismissed battlefield claims made by Afghanistan&rsquo;s interim government, describing them as inaccurate.&nbsp;&ldquo;The claims of battlefield victories against Pakistan are incorrect and merely propaganda,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has drawn international attention in recent days, with several governments urging restraint and calling for dialogue to prevent wider regional instability.&nbsp;Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the operation is a defensive response to terrorism and that Pakistan remains committed to regional stability while safeguarding its national security.&nbsp;Islamabad has repeatedly said its demand to the Taliban authorities remains unchanged: verifiable action to ensure that Afghan territory is not used by terrorist groups to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

Pakistan says its forces continue precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure across Afghanistan, targeting camps, logistics hubs and support networks as Operation Ghazab lil Haq advances into its third week amid ongoing regional tensions.

Over 660 Afghan Taliban, terrorists killed as Pakistan operation enters third week

ISLAMABAD: The Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, on Monday met Pakistan&rsquo;s Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir at military headquarters in Rawalpindi to discuss regional security and cooperation in counter-terrorism, the Pakistani military&#39;s media wing said. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, Al-Moghedi called on the field marshal and discussed matters of mutual interest. The meeting focused on regional security dynamics and ways to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, according to the statement. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism and extremism through collaborative strategies, including intelligence sharing and capacity building among member states. Field Marshal Munir appreciated the role of the IMCTC in fostering stability and promoting coordinated counter-terrorism initiatives across the Islamic world, the statement added. Al-Moghedi, in turn, acknowledged Pakistan&rsquo;s contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and praised the professionalism of Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces. The meeting underscored both sides&#39; resolve to further strengthen institutional collaboration to support peace, stability, and security in the region, ISPR added. According to the statement, the IMCTC delegation is visiting Pakistan Feb. 2-6 and is scheduled to conduct a one-week training program at the National University of Sciences &amp; Technology focused on the reintegration and rehabilitation of extremist elements.

A delegation of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition is visiting Pakistan Feb. 2-6, and is scheduled to conduct a one-week training program at a local university focusing on the reintegration and rehabilitation of extremist elements.

IMCTC secretary general meets Pakistan army chief to boost counterterror cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected claims that the federal government or the armed forces have issued directives to depopulate the Tirah Valley, calling the allegations &ldquo;baseless&rdquo; and &ldquo;misleading,&rdquo; according to a statement released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday.&nbsp;The ministry said it had taken notice of reports and social media claims alleging that residents of Tirah were being forced to leave the area on the orders of the military.&nbsp;&ldquo;These assertions are baseless, malicious, and driven by ulterior motives aimed at creating alarm among the public, spreading disinformation against security institutions, and furthering vested political interests,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;The clarification comes amid reports that residents of Tirah tehsil in Khyber district had begun leaving their homes in anticipation of a possible security operation in the volatile border region near Afghanistan, which has experienced a surge in militant activity in recent months.&nbsp;The information ministry stressed that no directive for the depopulation of Tirah had been issued by either the federal government or the armed forces.&nbsp;It said law enforcement agencies were conducting &ldquo;targeted, intelligence-based operations strictly against terrorist elements,&rdquo; adding that these actions were being carried out with &ldquo;full care to avoid disruption&rdquo; to civilian life.&nbsp;&ldquo;No depopulation or migration is needed or being undertaken,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;&ldquo;It may be noted that the local population is increasingly concerned over the presence of Khwarij and desires peace and stability in Tirah,&rdquo; the ministry added, using the government&rsquo;s term for militant groups.&nbsp;Referring to an earlier notification, the ministry said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government&rsquo;s Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department had issued a notice on December 26, 2025, reportedly involving Rs4 billion, to facilitate &ldquo;anticipated temporary and voluntary movement of population from certain localities of Tirah (Bagh).&rdquo;&nbsp;According to the statement, the notification called for advance preparedness and relief arrangements, including transportation, food support, cash assistance, and the establishment of transit and registration points.&nbsp;The ministry said the provincial government had clarified that the proposed movement was voluntary and reflected the views of the local population, as conveyed through a representative jirga convened at the district level.&nbsp;It added that the decision took into account seasonal, logistical and contextual considerations and followed a non-camp-based approach.&nbsp;&ldquo;Hence, any stated position of the provincial government or its officials conveyed to the media suggesting that the said migration has anything to do with the armed forces is false and fabricated,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;The ministry added that such claims were being made with &ldquo;malafide intent to gain political capital&rdquo; and to &ldquo;malign security institutions,&rdquo; describing them as &ldquo;highly regrettable.&rdquo;

File Photo - (Associated Press of Pakistan)

Information ministry denies forced depopulation of Tirah Valley, says civilian movement is voluntary, amid reports of displacement linked to anticipated security operations near Afghanistan border region

Pakistan rejects depopulation allegations amid reports of Tirah displacement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces killed three &ldquo;Indian-backed&rdquo; militants, including a commander, during an operation in the southwest Panjgur district of Balochistan, the military media said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Panjgur District of Balochistan on the reported presence of terrorists &ldquo;belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan.&rdquo;&nbsp;During the conduct of operations, the forces effectively engaged the terrorists, and after an intense fire exchange, &ldquo;three Indian-sponsored terrorists&rdquo; were killed, said the statement.&nbsp;The killed militants included the local area commander Farooq, alias Soro, Adeel, and Waseem, as per the statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area,&rdquo; it added.&nbsp;Last&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/12-indianbacked-militants-killed-in-clearance-operation-after-terrorists-attack-in-police-station-banks-pakistan-army" target="_blank" style="font-size: 18px; color: rgb(0, 115, 230);" rel="noopener noreferrer">week</a>, the security forces killed twelve Indian-backed militants in a clearance operation after terrorists carried out activities in Kharan City in the Balochistan province. Over the last year, over 1000 militants were killed in various intelligence and counter-terrorism operations by the security forces in various parts of the country, killing several high-profile commanders while incarcerating others, including the Islamic State media head&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/senior-iskp-media-head-in-pakistan-custody-sources" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sultan Aziz Azzam</a>.&nbsp;The military said that the &ldquo;sanitization operation continues in the surroundings to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;A relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision &lsquo;Azm-e-Istehkam&rsquo; by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,&rdquo; ISPR said.

Pakistan military's media wing says security forces conduct intelligence-based operation in Panjgur, Balochistan, killing three Indian-backed militants including a commander, seizing weapons, and continuing operations.

Pakistan forces kill three Indian-backed militants in Balochistan operation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders&rsquo; Conference (CCC) held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, according to a statement by the military media.&nbsp;The meeting conducted a detailed review of internal and external security environments, focusing on evolving threats and operational preparedness, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;Due to the joint efforts of the Government and Pakistan Army and the steadfast support of the Pakistani people, our country is moving gradually but surely toward stability, broader opportunities, and honor and dignity&rdquo;, added the statement.&nbsp;The conference participants reaffirmed that all &ldquo;terrorists, their facilitators, and supporters operating under Indian patronage&rdquo; will be dealt with decisively.&nbsp;Military&rsquo;s top brass vowed that any &ldquo;malicious efforts&rdquo; aimed at undermining Pakistan&rsquo;s unity, security, and stability would not be tolerated, said the statement.&nbsp;The field marshal also paid tribute to the law enforcement agencies, innocent civilians who lost their lives in terrorist activities, and the Armed Forces for &ldquo;their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices&rdquo;, added the statement.&nbsp;The forum also reiterated Pakistan commitment to the people&rsquo;s &ldquo;right to self-determination and their legitimate struggle&rdquo; in Kashmir and Gaza.&nbsp;The CDF Munir also expressed his full confidence in Pakistan Army capability to effectively &ldquo;counter conventional and sub-conventional threats as well as asymmetric challenges&rdquo; to the country sovereignty and territorial integrity, as per the statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;The COAS and CDF directed commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, training, physical fitness, technological innovations, and battlefield adaptability,&rdquo; the statement concluded.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir led the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference, reviewed security threats, vowed action against terrorism, honored sacrifices, and reaffirmed support for Kashmir and Gaza.

Pakistan military leadership vows to crush facilitators of terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces are continuing a clearance operation at Cadet College Wana, where three India-backed terrorists remain trapped inside a building, security sources said on Wednesday.&nbsp;According to the sources, around 650 people, including 525 cadets, were present at the college when the attack took place. So far, 115 individuals have been safely rescued, while nearly 535 remain inside the premises. Security forces are conducting the operation with utmost caution to ensure the cadets&rsquo; safety.&nbsp;The three attackers, reportedly of Afghan origin, have been confined to an administrative block and are receiving instructions over the phone from handlers across the border, the sources added. The area has been completely cordoned off, and the evacuation of cadets is progressing gradually.&nbsp;On November 10, the terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the college&rsquo;s main gate, destroying it completely and damaging nearby buildings. Security troops responded swiftly, killing two attackers on the spot, while the remaining three were cornered inside the compound.&nbsp;Security officials said the attack was orchestrated by India-sponsored proxies aiming to spread fear by targeting educational institutions and innocent children. They added that the incident disproves claims made by Afghan Taliban authorities that such militants are not operating from Afghan territory.&nbsp;The terrorists are believed to be linked with an Indian proxy outfit, &ldquo;Fitna al-Khawarij&rdquo; or &ldquo;Fitna al-Hindustan,&rdquo; and reportedly tried to replicate the 2014 Army Public School massacre in Peshawar. A message circulating on social media, allegedly from Jaish al-Hind leader Irshadullah Irshad, warned parents not to enroll their children in the college, claiming it trained people against their group.&nbsp;&ldquo;The aim of the attack was to instill fear among parents and students pursuing education in the tribal districts,&rdquo; the sources said, stressing that such cowardly acts will not weaken Pakistan&rsquo;s resolve to fight terrorism.&nbsp;Cadet College Wana, established at the request of local tribes, provides modern education to children of the Mehsud and Wazir tribes and has produced graduates serving across the country.&nbsp;&ldquo;The operation will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,&rdquo; the sources asserted, adding, &ldquo;Pakistan reserves the right to respond to the terrorist leadership and their networks operating from Afghan soil.&rdquo; Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saluted the soldier who stood against the suicide bombers, saving the lives of schoolchildren, in a post on his social media X.&nbsp;

The incident contradicts claims by Afghan Taliban authorities that such terrorists are not operating from Afghan soil.

115 rescued as security forces continue clearance at Cadet College Wana

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces after they successfully foiled a militant attack targeting Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO). The PM condemned the attack and lauded the swift action of security personnel, who eliminated two militants during the response. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers had rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the college, causing it to collapse and damaging nearby structures. After the blast, three militants entered the college premises but were cornered inside the administrative block, the ISPR said. &quot;The cowardly enemy once again attempted to target an educational institution, but their plan was successfully foiled,&quot; the PMO stated. The ISPR noted that the militants involved were in communication with handlers based in Afghanistan. &quot;Khwarij hiding inside the college premises are in contact with their masters and handlers in Afghanistan and are receiving instructions,&quot; the ISPR said, adding that the act was &quot;orchestrated by Khwarij from Afghanistan.&quot; Pakistan identifies Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as khwarij, invoking a historical label for a radical sect in early Islam that violently opposed established leadership, accused fellow Muslims of disbelief, and justified rebellion through extremist interpretation.&nbsp; The statement further said the incident contradicts claims by the Afghan Taliban authorities that such militants are not operating from Afghan soil. &quot;Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan,&quot; the ISPR warned. The militants, the statement continued, were linked to what it described as an &quot;Indian proxy group, Fitna al-Khwarij,&quot; and had attempted to emulate the 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar. The objective of the attack, the ISPR noted, was to instill fear among students from the region who are pursuing education to build better futures. Security forces are currently conducting a clearance operation in the area. The PMO reaffirmed that Pakistan&rsquo;s counter-terrorism campaign under the &ldquo;Azm-e-Istehkam&rdquo; framework will continue, as endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. &quot;This campaign will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism,&quot; the statement said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Cadet College Wana attack, praised security forces for killing two militants, and reaffirmed the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against foreign-supported terrorism

PM Sharif hails Pakistani forces after foiled attack on cadet college

ISLAMABAD: Successful kinetic operations by Pakistan security forces made October the deadliest month for militants &nbsp;with over 350 militants killed, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).&nbsp;According to a recent report by the Islamabad-based security think tank PICSS, the month of October remained the lethal for militants across the country, with intensified operations by the security forces.&nbsp;Estimates show that 355 militants were killed across the country, marking the highest losses in a decade from the militants.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the month, 69 attacks were recorded, a 52 percent decline compared to August, according to the report.&nbsp;Amid clearance operations, 92 security personnel and 48 civilians also lost their lives.&nbsp;The security forces also apprehended 22 suspected militants, the report stated.&nbsp;The report database recorded a 29 percent rise in militant attacks&mdash;from 69 in September to 89 in October&mdash;though overall human losses in these attacks declined by 19 percent.&nbsp;In the southwestern province of Balochistan, 23 militant attacks were recorded, while casualties dropped sharply from 79 to 27, the report added.&nbsp;During counter-terrorism operations, 67 militants were killed, marking notable improvement in the province&rsquo;s security situation. This represented a 92 percent decline in civilian deaths and a 52 percent drop in security personnel fatalities, the report added.&nbsp;In the former tribal districts, now merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the 25th Amendment of the constitution, and mainland KP, 55 militants were killed in kinetic operations led by the security forces.&nbsp;Collectively, between January and October 2025, a total of 1,734 militants were killed by the security forces, while 601 security personnel were martyred, the report concluded.&nbsp;

October was the deadliest month with 355 militants killed nationwide. Security forces saw fewer attacks and casualties, with significant improvements in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's security situation

Articles tagged with "Pakistan security forces"