Rawalpindi, February 21, 2026: According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a convoy of Pakistan’s security forces came under a suicide attack on Friday in Bannu district while conducting an intelligence-based operation against militants linked to Indian proxy group Fitna al Khwarij.
ISPR said the operation was launched on reports of the presence of Khwarij elements, including a vehicle-borne suicide bomber. The attacker was intercepted by the leading group of the convoy, successfully foiling an attempt to target innocent civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city and averting a major catastrophe.
During the ensuing exchange of fire, security forces effectively engaged the militants, killing five Khwarij. However, in a desperate act, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the convoy vehicles.
As a result, Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz, 43, a resident of Mansehra district and the commanding officer leading the operation from the front, embraced martyrdom along with Sepoy Karamat Shah, 28, from Peshawar district.
ISPR stated that the Khwarij continue to carry out terrorist activities inside Pakistan using Afghan soil, even during the holy month of Ramadan, which clearly demonstrates that they have no association with the teachings of Islam.
The statement further said that the Afghan Taliban have once again failed to prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan. It added that Pakistan will not exercise restraint and will continue operations against the perpetrators of this “heinous and cowardly act,” ensuring justified retribution irrespective of their location.
ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue with full force. The sacrifices of the nation’s soldiers, it said, further strengthen Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to safeguard the country at all costs and eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism.
