Pakistan’s Armed Forces Strike Hard Against Indian-Sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In one of the most intense counterterrorism operations of the year, eleven Pakistan Army personnel, including Lt Col Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat, embraced martyrdom during a fierce gun battle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district. The operation, conducted on confirmed intelligence reports, targeted militants affiliated with Indian-backed Fitna Al Khwarij, a banned group known to be a proxy for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the tragic yet heroic news on Wednesday, noting that the soldiers’ valor led to the elimination of nineteen terrorists in a powerful and decisive action.
A Sacrifice Etched in Bravery
According to the ISPR statement, the intelligence-based operation (IBO) was launched late Tuesday night in the Orakzai district after credible reports surfaced about the presence of heavily armed militants.
“During the conduct of the operation, 19 Indian-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by our troops,” the ISPR said in its release.
Leading from the front, 39-year-old Lt Col Junaid Tariq, alongside his deputy 33-year-old Major Tayyab Rahat, spearheaded the assault on terrorist hideouts. Both officers — known among their peers for courage and discipline — made the ultimate sacrifice along with nine of their comrades in the line of duty.
Profiles in Courage: The Fallen Heroes
The martyred soldiers, representing the true spirit of Pakistan’s armed forces, were identified as:
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Lt Col Junaid Tariq (39) – commanding the operation.
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Major Tayyab Rahat (33) – second-in-command, known for operational excellence.
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Naib Subedar Azam Gul (38)
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Naik Adil Hussain (35)
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Naik Gul Ameer (34)
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Lance Naik Sher Khan (31)
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Lance Naik Talish Faraz (32)
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Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (32)
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Sepoy Tufail Khan (28)
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Sepoy Aqib Ali (23)
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Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24)
Each of these soldiers gave their lives protecting Pakistan from a wave of cross-border terrorism that has repeatedly targeted the nation’s peace and sovereignty.
Operation Orakzai: Crushing the Indian-Backed Threat
The ISPR further revealed that a sanitisation operation is underway in the Orakzai region to clear any remaining terrorist presence and secure the area for local residents.
Security officials described the militant group involved as an Indian-backed proxy network operating under the name Fitna Al Khwarij — a modern manifestation of extremist ideology designed to destabilize Pakistan through terror and propaganda.
The statement reaffirmed the military’s determination:
“Our security forces remain resolute in their mission to wipe out every trace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from our homeland. The sacrifices of our martyrs only strengthen our national resolve.”
Nation Mourns, But Stands United
The nation’s leadership, political parties, and the general public expressed deep grief and admiration for the fallen heroes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Tribute
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif paid glowing tributes to the martyred officers and soldiers. He lauded the courage of Lt Col Tariq and Major Rahat, emphasizing that their sacrifice was a symbol of Pakistan’s unwavering fight against terrorism.
“The sacrifices of our fearless sons will never go in vain,” the Prime Minister declared.“We will crush the nefarious intentions of Indian-backed terrorists and ensure that those who threaten Pakistan’s integrity are defeated once and for all.”
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and supporting the armed forces in every possible capacity.
President Asif Ali Zardari: ‘Heroes of the Nation’
In a statement from the Presidency, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the bravery of Pakistan’s security forces during the Orakzai operation.
He expressed satisfaction over the elimination of 19 terrorists, declaring Lt Col Junaid Tariq Shaheed, Major Tayyab Rahat, and their comrades as “heroes of the nation.”
“The sacrifices of our soldiers are a symbol of the nation’s unity and unbreakable resolve,” President Zardari said.“The brave sons of Pakistan have set an eternal example by defending their motherland with their lives.”
He offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for their strength and patience during this time of loss.
Political and Public Solidarity
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also conveyed his condolences through a statement on social media. He praised the courage of the fallen soldiers and reaffirmed his party’s support for the ongoing counterterrorism operations.
“Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and expressed unwavering support for the Pakistan Army in its fight to eliminate terrorism,” the PPP statement read.
Similarly, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq hailed the fallen soldiers as defenders of peace, stating that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“The sacrifices of our armed forces in the war against terrorism will never go in vain. The terrorists will never succeed in achieving their evil designs,” Sadiq declared in his remarks carried by state-run APP.
Renewed Terror Wave in Pakistan
The Orakzai IBO comes amid a surge in terrorist activities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, regions that have borne the brunt of cross-border militancy in recent years.
After the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke its ceasefire with the government in late 2022, there has been a marked increase in attacks targeting police, security forces, and civilians.
According to recent reports by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the first three quarters of 2025 have witnessed almost the same level of militant violence as the entire year of 2024 — highlighting the persistent nature of the threat.
The Unbreakable Spirit of Pakistan’s Armed Forces
Despite the challenges and losses, Pakistan’s armed forces have continued to demonstrate unshakable resolve and professional excellence. Each martyrdom, while deeply painful for the nation, reinforces the military’s determination to cleanse the land of extremist elements.
The Orakzai operation stands as another chapter in Pakistan’s long and costly fight against Indian-sponsored terrorism, reminding the world that Pakistan’s soldiers continue to lay down their lives for global peace and regional stability.
“The entire nation stands as a lead wall with its armed forces,” President Zardari said — a sentiment echoed across every home in Pakistan.
From the snowy peaks of Khyber to the rugged hills of Orakzai, Pakistan’s defenders remain vigilant, ensuring that no enemy — internal or external — can undermine the sovereignty of the nation.
The blood of the martyrs, shed in Orakzai, once again reminds us that freedom is never free — it is preserved by the courage, faith, and sacrifice of those who stand guard at our borders.