Rawalpindi (GNP): Security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Hangu District following reports that Khwarij militants linked to the India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij network were present in the area.
During the operation, troops engaged the militants at their location. Attempting to escape, the militants took shelter inside a mosque, disregarding the sanctity of the place of worship. In the exchange of fire that followed, seven militants tied to the India-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij network were killed.
During the intense exchange, Captain Hamza Akram, 27, from District Narowal, was fatally wounded while leading his troops from the front in pursuit of the militants. He fought bravely and was martyred in the line of duty.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who authorities say had been involved in numerous attacks against security forces and law enforcement, as well as the killing of civilians.
A clearance operation is ongoing to root out any remaining India-sponsored militants in the area. Officials say the counter-terrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework — approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan — will continue at full intensity, with security forces and law enforcement agencies committed to eliminating foreign-backed terrorism from the country. Officials added that the sacrifices made by soldiers like Captain Akram further strengthen the nation’s resolve to defend itself at any cost.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif both expressed grief over Captain Akram’s martyrdom during the Hangu operation.
In separate statements, they paid tribute to his bravery, courage, and dedication to duty, and commended security forces for eliminating seven militants during the operation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a central focus of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, with security forces regularly carrying out intelligence-based operations against militant groups. The province saw a sharp rise in militant violence over the past year, with more than 500 reported attacks — a 50% increase compared to the previous year.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
