MALAKAND; In a major counter-terrorism success, Pakistani security forces, in close coordination with the police, Levies, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and district administration, conducted a four-day intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Malakand District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from July 16 to 20. The operation, aimed at rooting out the militant group Fitna-al-Khwarij, resulted in the killing of nine terrorists and the arrest of eight others.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the joint operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding the presence of anti-state elements in the region. Security forces skillfully cordoned off the suspected hideouts and engaged in multiple intense exchanges of fire, successfully neutralising the threats. Two terrorist sanctuaries were destroyed, and a significant stockpile of weapons, explosives, and ammunition was recovered.
Local residents widely welcomed the operation, expressing strong support for the armed forces and their efforts to restore peace and security in the region. Follow-up sanitisation operations are currently underway to eliminate any remaining threats and ensure the area is fully cleared.
The ISPR emphasized that this operation reaffirms Pakistan’s firm resolve to combat terrorism, particularly Indian-sponsored elements that seek to destabilize the country. Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the successful operation, highlighting the unity and coordination among national institutions.
President Zardari stated that the nation remains steadfast in the fight against terrorism, vowing to bring all perpetrators of violence to justice. In a press release, he labeled the militants as part of the “Fitna al-Hindustan” and reiterated the state’s commitment to eliminate their influence entirely.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the security agencies and the district administration for their exceptional coordination in executing the operation. He stressed that the fight against terrorism is ongoing and the government remains committed to uprooting extremism in all its forms.
This operation comes amid a troubling surge in terrorist activity across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a noticeable uptick in cross-border militancy and homegrown insurgency.
According to a recent report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), May 2025 recorded a 5% increase in militant attacks compared to the previous month. A total of 85 attacks were documented, resulting in 113 fatalities, including 52 members of the security forces, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four peace committee members. Additionally, 182 individuals were injured.
The PICSS report also highlighted disturbing trends: security forces suffered a 73% spike in deaths, while civilian injuries increased by a staggering 145%. In contrast, injuries among security personnel dropped by 20%. Security operations during May led to the deaths of at least 59 militants, though five soldiers were also martyred.
Overall, the casualty toll for the month stood at 172, combining fatalities and injuries from both militant attacks and security operations. Despite these challenges, the latest operation in Malakand signals a determined and proactive stance by Pakistani authorities in tackling terrorism and safeguarding national security.
