Rawalpindi, December 25, 2025: Security forces have neutralised 10 India-backed terrorists, including a “kharji ringleader,” in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
According to the military’s media wing, an IBO was carried out on December 24 in the general area of Kulachi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district following reports of terrorist presence. During the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ hideout, resulting in the killing of two militants, including ringleader Dilawar.
The ISPR said Dilawar was highly wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in multiple terrorist activities, adding that the government had announced a head money of Rs4 million for his capture.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who, according to the military, had been actively involved in numerous attacks against security forces as well as the killing of innocent civilians. Sanitisation operations were subsequently conducted to eliminate any other India-sponsored terrorists in the area.
The ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam” would continue with full resolve to eradicate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
In a separate operation in Balochistan’s Kalat district, security forces neutralised eight terrorists during an IBO conducted on intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan.
“The troops effectively engaged the terrorists, and after an intense exchange of fire, eight Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR said. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the militants, who had remained involved in several terrorist activities.
Sanitisation operations were under way in the area to ensure the elimination of any remaining terrorists, the military’s spokesperson added, reiterating the armed forces’ resolve to continue operations against foreign-sponsored terrorism in coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The latest operations come amid a noticeable rise in terrorist attacks, particularly in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan in 2021. Cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil has also resulted in week-long clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October.
The development follows Islamabad’s recent demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime, expressing grave concern over continued support and facilitation provided to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Foreign Office summoned Afghanistan’s deputy head of mission on December 19 after four Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan.
Pakistan has conveyed to Kabul that the Afghan Taliban’s continued backing of terrorist groups has enabled attacks against Pakistan’s military and civilian population along the Pak-Afghan border and adjoining areas. The Foreign Office also warned that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens, and would take all necessary measures to respond to terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
