Rawalpindi Staff Reporter
Pakistan’s security forces conducted a major intelligence-based operation in the Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 19 Indian-backed militants, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday. However, the operation came at a heavy cost as 11 personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, were martyred during a fierce exchange of fire.
The overnight operation, conducted between October 7 and 8, 2025, targeted militants affiliated with the outlawed group Fitna al-Khawarij, reportedly supported by Indian intelligence. ISPR stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the area.
During the intense battle, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq, aged 39, and Major Tayyab Rahat, aged 33 — both residents of Rawalpindi — embraced martyrdom while leading the operation with extraordinary bravery. In addition, nine other soldiers also laid down their lives in the line of duty:
- Naib Subedar Azam Gul (Khyber)
- Naik Adil Hussain (Kurram)
- Naik Gul Ameer (Tank)
- Lance Naik Sher Khan (Mardan)
- Lance Naik Talash Faraz (Mansehra)
- Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (Kurram)
- Sepoy Tufail Khan (Malakand)
- Sepoy Aqib Ali (Swabi)
- Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (Tank)
ISPR confirmed that clearance and sanitization operations are ongoing in the area to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining threats.
“Our brave sons have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism. Such sacrifices further strengthen our resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from our soil,” the ISPR said.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to continue operations against all hostile elements and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty at any cost.
