Islamabad: The Pakistan Security Forces have conducted two successful counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, eliminating three militants associated with the Indian-backed extremist network Fitan al-Khawarij, including an active Afghan Border Police officer, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Sunday.
According to the ISPR, both operations were carried out on November 2, targeting militant movements along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border and within the Tank district. The operations were part of the military’s ongoing efforts to eliminate foreign-backed terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil and attempting to infiltrate Pakistani territory.
In its statement, the ISPR said that intelligence reports had identified suspicious militant movements near Esham in North Waziristan, close to the Afghan border. The militants were reportedly trying to cross into Pakistan to carry out attacks against security and law enforcement agencies. “The security forces engaged the group in a precise and effective manner, neutralizing two terrorists on the spot,” the statement said.
Among the killed militants was Qasim Afghan, who was confirmed to be an active member of the Afghan Border Police. His involvement in terrorist activities within Pakistani territory underscores the persistent challenge of cross-border infiltration and sanctuary available to anti-Pakistan militants operating from Afghan soil.
In a separate intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Tank, security forces killed another militant identified as Ikramuddin alias Abu Dujana, also an Afghan national. The ISPR noted that Abu Dujana had been involved in several terrorist incidents, including attacks on security personnel, sabotage of infrastructure, and facilitation of other extremist groups across the region.
The ISPR emphasized that the slain militants were part of Fitan al-Khawarij, an extremist proxy network allegedly supported by India’s intelligence apparatus. The statement described the organization as being directly involved in cross-border terrorist attacks, targeted killings, and attempts to destabilize Pakistan’s internal security through coordinated operations from sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
“Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Interim Government to ensure effective border management and prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorists and their facilitators against Pakistan,” the ISPR stated. “Despite multiple diplomatic communications, the threat continues to persist, with militants frequently attempting cross-border infiltration under the cover of night and difficult terrain.”
The military’s media wing reiterated that security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) would continue to pursue terrorist networks with full determination, describing these actions as part of Pakistan’s broader counterterrorism and counterintelligence campaign to eradicate all foreign-sponsored threats. “Such sacrifices will not go in vain; the fight against terrorism will continue until complete peace and stability are restored in the country,” the ISPR affirmed.
Officials familiar with the operations noted that the North Waziristan and Tank regions have historically served as key transit corridors for militant movements between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The difficult terrain, porous borders, and cross-border tribal linkages have made these areas particularly challenging to secure, despite extensive fencing and surveillance measures introduced in recent years.
Military analysts believe that the presence of foreign nationals among the neutralized militants once again highlights the regional dimension of terrorism in Pakistan, where external elements exploit instability in Afghanistan to operate against Pakistani interests. “The involvement of an Afghan Border Police officer raises serious questions about the control and discipline of security structures under the interim Afghan government,” one defense expert commented, calling for “urgent diplomatic engagement” to prevent further escalation.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has consistently raised concerns about the resurgence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated extremist factions. Many of these groups, according to Pakistani intelligence, have found refuge across the border, reorganizing and launching attacks against Pakistani security personnel and civilians.
In recent months, Pakistan has intensified its counterterrorism operations under a revised National Action Plan, combining intelligence-based strikes, border security measures, and targeted dismantling of terrorist networks. Military sources confirmed that hundreds of militants have been eliminated or arrested in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since mid-2025, significantly reducing the operational capacity of extremist groups.
Meanwhile, Islamabad has urged Kabul to take “practical and verifiable steps” to prevent the use of its territory against Pakistan. Diplomatic sources revealed that Pakistan has shared multiple dossiers containing evidence of Indian intelligence funding and training camps for anti-Pakistan militants operating inside Afghanistan.
Commenting on the latest developments, a senior security official said that while Pakistan remains committed to peaceful bilateral relations, continued cross-border terrorism cannot be tolerated. “We have been exercising restraint, but our forces will respond decisively to any threat emanating from across the border,” he said.
The ISPR also praised the professionalism and bravery of the troops involved in the recent operations. It noted that a clearance operation was underway in the targeted areas to ensure no residual militant presence remains. “Our resolve is unwavering; Pakistan’s soil will not be allowed to be used for terrorism, nor will we permit anyone to exploit neighboring territory for attacks against us,” the statement concluded.
