31 Khwarij Killed in Lakki Marwat, Bannu Operations: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces eliminated 31 Khwarij linked to Indian-backed group Fitna al Khwarij during two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on September 13 and 14, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

According to the military’s media wing, the first operation took place in Lakki Marwat District, where troops engaged the militants’ hideout. Following a fierce exchange of fire, 14 Khwarij were killed.

In a separate operation in Bannu District, security forces neutralized another 17 Khwarij. ISPR added that sanitization efforts are ongoing to clear the region of any remaining elements, reaffirming the armed forces’ resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu to review counter-terrorism operations and show solidarity with the forces. During the visit, they attended condolence prayers for 12 martyred soldiers, received detailed security briefings, and reiterated Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism.

Both leaders also voiced concerns over foreign involvement—particularly from Afghanistan and India—in fueling cross-border terrorism and destabilizing Pakistan through proxy networks.