President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed the country’s resolve to eliminate terrorism following a security operation in North Waziristan in which 11 militants were killed.
In separate statements issued on Sunday, both leaders paid tribute to Pakistan’s security forces for carrying out the operation in the Datakhel area of North Waziristan.
Read More: President, PM condemn Kalat terror attack, vow justice for victims
According to official statements, the militants belonged to what authorities described as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term used by the government for certain militant groups involved in attacks across the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari said operations against terrorist elements were essential for safeguarding national security and maintaining peace in the country. He stressed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until militant networks were completely dismantled.
“The war against terrorism will continue until its complete eradication from the country,” the president said.
صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری نے شمالی وزیرستان کے علاقے میں انٹیلی جنس بیسڈ آپریشن میں 11 بھارتی پشت پناہی یافتہ فتنہ الخوارج دہشت گردوں کو جہنم واصل کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین پیش کیا۔
بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم دہشت گرد عناصر کے خلاف کارروائیاں قومی سلامتی کے تحفظ کے لیے…
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) May 24, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the professionalism and bravery of the security forces involved in the operation. He said the government remained fully committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring stability across Pakistan.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا شمالی وزیرستان کے علاقے دتہ خیل میں سیکیورٹی آپریشن میں بھارتی حمایت یافتہ فتنہ الخوارج کے 11 دہشت گردوں کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراج تحسین
“حکومت ملک سے دہشت گردی کے مکمل خاتمے کے لیے پر عزم ہے۔” ~وزیراعظم pic.twitter.com/ezmQG1nTAO
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 24, 2026
The operation in Datakhel was part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts being conducted in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan amid rising security concerns in recent months.
Pakistan has witnessed several militant attacks targeting security personnel and civilians, prompting authorities to intensify intelligence-based operations against armed groups.
Security officials say such operations are aimed at preventing militant infiltration, dismantling hideouts, and maintaining law and order in sensitive regions bordering Afghanistan.
Read More: President, PM praise security forces for killing eight terrorists in Kalat
The statements by the president and prime minister come at a time when Pakistan’s leadership has repeatedly emphasised national unity and coordinated action against terrorism.
Officials have maintained that intelligence agencies and security forces will continue operations until peace and stability are fully restored in affected areas.