Pakistan’s top leadership paid tribute to Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, who was martyred while leading an intelligence-based operation against terrorists in North Waziristan’s Razmak area, as security forces pressed ahead with the ongoing Azm-e-Istehkam counter-terrorism campaign.
President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for successfully carrying out the operation, saying it reflected their courage, professionalism and unwavering resolve to root out terrorism. He said Major Elahi had set a remarkable example of duty and leadership, and that the nation would always remember his sacrifice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the fallen officer, reaffirming the government’s resolve to continue operations until terrorism is fully eradicated from the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Major Elahi had displayed unparalleled courage in neutralising five militants before laying down his life for the homeland.
During the same operation, security forces killed five militants described by the military as Indian-sponsored operatives of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, and a clearance operation is under way to secure the area from any remaining threats.
In a related development, security forces eliminated seven militants, including a suicide bomber, during an overnight operation in Balochistan’s Noshki district, destroying a hideout along with ammunition and explosives found on site.
Officials say the twin operations form part of the broader Azm-e-Istehkam campaign, approved under the National Action Plan, which aims to wipe out foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country. The military noted that such successes reflect the growing effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, even as the nation continues to honour the memory of its brave soldiers.