In a significant counter-terrorism success, Pakistan’s security forces thwarted a major infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 54 terrorists in North Waziristan’s Hassan Khel area. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this marks the highest number of khawarij — the state’s term for terrorists — eliminated in a single engagement throughout the ongoing campaign against terrorism.
Unprecedented Counter-Offensive in North Waziristan
The infiltration attempt took place over the nights of April 25-27, 2025. Security forces detected the movement of a large group of terrorists trying to cross the border and engaged them with precision. “All fifty-four khawarij have been sent to hell,” the ISPR stated, emphasizing the effectiveness and skill of the operation. A significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was also recovered from the slain terrorists.
Intelligence reports revealed that the infiltrating group operated on the instructions of “foreign masters,” with aims to conduct high-profile attacks inside Pakistan. The statement also linked these actions to broader regional dynamics, hinting that India’s recent “baseless accusations” against Pakistan are an attempt to distract Islamabad’s focus from its counterterrorism efforts. The ISPR suggested that these efforts are intended to provide breathing space to Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), a term used to describe the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The National Security Council meeting held earlier this week also touched on India’s strategic moves, including downgrading diplomatic ties and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. The ISPR noted that such distractions aim to weaken Pakistan’s strong offensive against terrorist elements.
Pakistan’s Security Forces Maintain Pressure on Militants
The ISPR praised the “exceptional professionalism, vigilance, and preparedness” of the security forces, reaffirming their commitment to defending the country’s borders and eradicating terrorism. “Such bold and decisive actions strengthen our collective resolve and demonstrate that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism,” the statement read.
Separately, over the weekend, security forces conducted intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, neutralizing 15 terrorists across three different engagements. In Karak district, eight terrorists were killed during an IBO, while four more were eliminated in North Waziristan, and three in South Waziristan’s Gomal Zam area. However, the intense clashes came at a cost: two soldiers, Lance Naik Usman Mohmand and Sepoy Imran Khan, embraced martyrdom during the operations.
The rise in militant violence has been notable in recent months. A report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies indicated that March saw over 100 militant attacks — the highest monthly figure since November 2014. Pakistan also ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with deaths from terrorism rising by 45 per cent over the past year, totaling 1,081 fatalities.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s security forces continue to deliver significant blows to terrorist networks, signaling strong resolve in the ongoing fight against militancy.
