RAWALPINDI: Security forces eliminated 22 khwarij in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
A 10-year-old boy was also martyred in khwarij’s indiscriminate firing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
On April 21, a joint IBO was conducted by security forces and law-enforcement agencies in Khyber district on the reported presence of khwarij.
During conduct of the operation, after intense exchange of fire and skilful engagements by forces, 22 khwarij, belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were sent to hell. Due to cowardice and fear of getting apprehended alive, Khwarij resorted to indiscriminate firing which resulted in martyrdom of a child.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed Indian sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.
Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as relentless counterterrorism campaign under vision Azm-e-Istehkam, (as approved by federal apex committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law-enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of civilians further strengthen their resolve further strengthen their resolve.
APP adds: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday paid rich tribute to the country’s security forces and law-enforcement agencies for eliminating 22 militants in Khyber district, while reaffirming an unwavering commitment to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister said the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete elimination. President Zardari noted that terrorist elements were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, adding that the country would continue to play a leading role in promoting regional and global stability.
Both leaders also expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of a 10-year-old child during the operation. They extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience. PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident, stating that the unprovoked firing by fleeing militants, which led to the child’s death, was an “irreparable crime against humanity.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the professionalism and bravery of the security forces, saying their timely action had thwarted the designs of terrorist elements. He reiterated that security agencies remain fully committed to eliminating terrorism and stressed that the nation stands proud of its courageous soldiers.
The minister also expressed sympathy with the family of the child who lost their life due to militant firing, underscoring the human cost of terrorism and the need for its complete eradication.
