Lt Col, major among 11 army personnel martyred, 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in Orakzai operation: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces killed 19 Indian-backed terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Orakzai district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhaw (KP), the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on night 7/8 October 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai District, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.

“During the conduct of operation, 19 Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops,” the statement said.

However, during the intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (age: 39 years, resident of District Rawalpindi), leading his troops from the front along with second in command Major Tayyab Rahat (age: 33 years, resident of District Rawalpindi) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat along with his nine men.

“The nine brave soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naib Subedar Azam Gul (age: 38 years, resident of District Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (age: 35 years, resident of District Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (age: 34 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (age: 31 years, resident of District Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (age: 32 years, resident of District Manshera), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (age: 32 years, resident of District Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (age: 28 years, resident of District Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (age: 23 years, resident of District Swabi), Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (age: 24 years, resident of District Tank),” the ISPR said.

The military’s media wing said that sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area.

“The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended the security forces for their successful operation in the Orakzai district, where 19 terrorists associated with the India-backed outfit Fitna-al-Khawarij were eliminated.

In a statement, the prime minister voiced deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Lt. Col. Junaid Arif, Major Tayyab Rahat, and other brave members of the Pakistan Army who sacrificed their lives during the operation. 

He offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs and prayed that their families be granted patience and strength to bear the loss.

“The sacrifices of the brave soldiers will never go in vain. We will thwart the nefarious designs of India-backed terrorists. Those attempting to harm Pakistan’s integrity will not succeed,” PM Shehbaz said, reaffirming the government’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism and protect the nation’s sovereignty.