LAKKI MARWAT/BAJAUR: At least 17 militants were killed in a late-night intelligence-based operation in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, while four civilians lost their lives in an explosion in Bajaur district on Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an operation in the Darshakhel area of Karak after receiving credible intelligence on the presence of militants described as “Indian-sponsored khwarij.” The statement said troops “effectively engaged the khwarij location,” killing 17 and injuring six others. Three security personnel were injured during the hours-long gun battle.
District Police Officer Shahbaz Elahi confirmed the operation, saying militants affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban’s Mullah Nazir group were preparing to carry out attacks. He vowed that “anti-state and anti-peace elements will not find any place to hide.” Security forces remained in the area on Saturday, conducting searches along the Lakki Marwat–Mianwali border, while announcements were made urging locals to stay indoors and deny shelter to fleeing suspects.
Separately, tragedy struck Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil when an old unexploded device went off in a field, killing four young men and injuring two others. The victims, aged between 13 and 18, were identified as Sajad Khan, Nawshad Khan, Fawad Khan, and Jawad Khan. The injured, Waqas Khan and Attaullah, were airlifted to Peshawar for advanced treatment after initial care in Khar. Local leaders from the ANP, JI, and PTI visited the hospital to donate blood and express solidarity with the families.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry reiterated that Pakistan would respond firmly to militancy. Speaking at a press conference, he said militants crossing from Afghanistan posed the greatest threat, claiming “80 per cent of terrorist attackers are Afghans.” He warned that if diplomacy failed, “those who understand the language of bullets will be explained with bullets.”
Mr Chaudhry described Pakistan’s diplomacy as being at its “75-year high,” highlighting international engagement and investment opportunities. He called for unity among political parties to sustain security gains and warned media professionals against giving cover to militants, vowing stricter action against “false vloggers” undermining national security.