12 Indian-sponsored terrorists killed, 11 security personnel martyred in Bajaur checkpost attack: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): At least 12 terrorists belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij were killed while 11 security personnel embraced martyrdom after a terrorist attack at a security checkpost was foiled in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on February 16, 2026, a cowardly terrorist attack was attempted on Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAS) Joint Check Post in Bajaur District by Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.

It added that the assailants sought to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s security forces.

“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating 12 khwarij,” the statement said.

The ISPR said that in their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. 
“Due to blast impact infrastructure at checkost collapsed resultantly 11 brave sons of soil, rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat (martyrdom).

Tragically, civilian residential buildings in close proximity also suffered severe destruction as a result of explosion, leading to the martyrdom of one innocent young girl and injuries to seven others including women and children, the statement added.

The military’s media wing said that sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area.

"Relentless Counter Terrorism 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 menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs," the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on a joint security and law enforcement check post in Bajaur District, carried out by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij militants.

In their separate statements, the president and the premier reaffirmed the nation’s firm commitment to rooting out terrorism that receives external support.

They conveyed deep sorrow over the deaths of 11 soldiers and a civilian, and prayed for the martyrs, asking Allah Almighty for “elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, patience for their families, and early recovery of the injured.”

President Zardari emphasized the courage of the fallen, noting that “The sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in defense of the country further strengthen our resolve. The elimination of terrorism backed by external support remains the top priority.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is in London, highlighted the swift response of the security forces, stating that they had successfully “eliminated 12 terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij.”

He added that, guided by the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the armed forces continue to achieve substantial progress in the fight against terrorism.

PM Shehbaz further reassured the nation, saying, “The entire nation stands united with Pakistan’s armed forces in this war against terrorism. We remain fully determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.”