Rawalpindi, September 20, 2026: Security forces killed five terrorists and rescued 23 abductees during an operation against an Indian-sponsored militant group near Kalat, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.
According to the ISPR, terrorists belonging to what it referred to as “Fitna al-Hindustan” had established a check post near Kalat on the Pakistan Highway (N-25), linking Chaman with Karachi, during the night of September 18-19.
The terrorists were allegedly attempting to disrupt the movement of people along the highway and were involved in activities including abductions for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching.
Security forces responded immediately, triggering an intense exchange of fire in which five terrorists were killed, the military’s media wing said.
Following the engagement, security forces recovered 23 abductees from a terrorist hideout. Six trucks, three buses and two cars were also recovered, along with a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives.
The ISPR said the operation thwarted the “nefarious designs” of the militants and helped restore security along the vital national highway.
Sanitisation operations were continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety of the local population as well as secure the highway, it added.
The ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue with full resolve.
“Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.
