16 Killed, Including 4 Soldiers, in Operations Across Pakistan

Sixteen people, including four Pakistani soldiers and twelve individuals allegedly linked to an “Indian proxy network,” were killed in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing, ISPR.

The Pakistani media Dawn confirmed the report in a news article.

According to ISPR, armed militants identified as “India-backed Khawarij” attempted to attack a security checkpoint in the Shawal area of North Waziristan. However, the attempt was bravely repelled by Pakistani troops, resulting in the deaths of six militants during the exchange of fire.

The soldiers who lost their lives in the operation were:

• Lieutenant Daniyal Ismail (24), from Mardan district
• Naib Subedar Kashif Reza (42), from Chakwal district
• Lance Naik Faiqat Ali (35), from Haripur district
• Sepoy Muhammad Hamid (26)

In a separate incident, one armed assailant was killed during a fierce clash in Chitral district.

ISPR further reported that an intelligence-based operation in Loralai district, Balochistan, led to the killing of four militants allegedly supported by India. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the scene. These militants were reportedly involved in two deadly attacks near the Rarasham section of the N-70 highway in August last year and February this year, which claimed the lives of 30 people.

In another encounter in Kech district, one more armed assailant was killed.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating, “The operation will continue until the fitna (sedition) of Hindustan is eradicated.”

He added, “The counterterrorism drive will persist, and the nation stands united.”

Last month, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused India of activating its terrorist assets. Presenting what he termed “incontrovertible evidence,” he alleged that these activities were being carried out under the direction of India's military intelligence agency.