A Pakistan Army officer embraced martyrdom while five militants were eliminated during an intelligence-led operation carried out by security forces in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In an official statement released on Monday, the military’s media wing said the operation was conducted in the Khar area following confirmed intelligence about the presence of terrorists affiliated with India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij.
The ISPR stated that troops effectively engaged the hideout, resulting in the killing of five terrorists. However, during the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, Major Adeel Zaman, 36, a resident of Dera Ismail Khan, was martyred while leading his men from the front. The officer fought with exceptional bravery before laying down his life in the line of duty.
According to the statement, a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorists, who were involved in multiple attacks against security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians.
Following the operation, additional clearance and search activities were launched in the surrounding area to ensure the elimination of any remaining Indian-sponsored militants.
Reaffirming its commitment, the ISPR said the counterterrorism drive under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative would continue relentlessly until the threat of externally backed terrorism is completely eradicated from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the successful operation and paid glowing tribute to the martyred officer. In his condolence message, the prime minister expressed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and reiterated that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He also reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
The funeral prayers of Major Adeel Zaman were offered at Peshawar Garrison, attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the interior minister, the Peshawar Corps commander, and senior military and civilian officials.
Paying homage, Field Marshal Asim Munir described the martyrs of the Pakistan Army as the nation’s greatest asset and source of pride. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks in the hereafter and strength and patience for the grieving family.
The army chief later visited CMH Peshawar to inquire about the well-being of officers and soldiers wounded during the operation, commending their courage, resolve, and dedication.
Escalating cross-border threat
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban took control in Afghanistan in 2021.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the interim Afghan authorities to ensure their territory is not used by terrorist groups to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Despite these demands, Kabul has largely failed to take decisive action, further straining bilateral relations.
The spillover of militancy from across the border led to armed confrontations between the two sides in October, after Taliban fighters and allied militants initiated unprovoked firing along the border on October 12.
Pakistan Armed Forces responded forcefully, inflicting heavy losses on the attackers, reportedly killing over 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants. However, the clashes resulted in the martyrdom of 23 Pakistani soldiers.
Subsequently, Pakistan carried out targeted strikes against terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul.
The hostilities subsided after Pakistan accepted a request from the Taliban authorities for a temporary ceasefire on October 17. This was followed by talks between delegations of both countries, first in Doha under Qatari mediation and later in Istanbul, hosted by Türkiye on October 25.
However, negotiations collapsed after four days, with Pakistani officials citing what they termed “unreasonable and illogical” positions adopted by the Taliban delegation.