11 security personnel martyred, 12 terrorists eliminated in Bajaur assault: ISPR

Security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) successfully neutralised 12 terrorists during a “foiled” attack on a joint check post in Bajaur district on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The military’s media wing said the assault was carried out by Fitna al-Khwarij, an Indian-sponsored proxy. Despite the swift and decisive response from vigilant troops, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. The resulting blast caused the collapse of the check post infrastructure, leading to the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.

“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 ISPR said.

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The explosion also caused severe damage to nearby civilian residences, resulting in the tragic death of a young girl and injuries to seven other civilians, including women and children.

Following the attack, sanitisation operations were launched to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. In its statement, the ISPR reaffirmed that the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.

President, PM condemn terrorist attack

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the attack by Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists in Bajaur.

The president prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and for the bereaved families to bear this loss with fortitude.

“The sacrifices made by those defending the country further strengthen the nation’s resolve,” he remarked, adding that the complete eradication of foreign-backed terrorism remains a top priority.

In a separate statement, PM Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 11 security personnel and one innocent civilian. He prayed for the departed souls and the swift recovery of those injured, offering his heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

The prime minister noted that “security forces acted timely to send 12 terrorists of Fitna al-Khwarij to hell”.

“The entire nation stands with Pakistan’s armed forces in this war against terrorism,” the prime minister affirmed, reiterating the government’s commitment to the total elimination of all forms of terrorism from the country.

Pakistan saw a significant surge in terrorist attacks in 2025, with the number of attacks rising by 34 percent compared to the previous year.

According to the Pakistan Security Report 2025 released by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), the country witnessed 699 terrorist attacks, resulting in at least 1,034 deaths and 1,366 injuries.

READ MORE: Afghan border closure brings down terrorist violence by almost 17%: report

It said that terrorism-related fatalities increased by 21 percent, highlighting a continuing upward trend in militancy since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Of the 699 terrorist attacks, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed 413 attacks, Gilgit-Baltistan witnessed 254 attacks, Sindh province recorded 21 attacks, Punjab witnessed 11, and three attacks were carried out in Gilgit-Baltistan in the previous year, according to the report.

Meanwhile, a significant drop in cross-border terrorist attacks and violence-linked fatalities has been recorded in Pakistan since it closed down the border with Afghanistan, a Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) annual security report revealed.

“Terrorist attacks went down by almost 17% in December, preceded by 9% decline in November. Terrorist violence-linked fatalities among civilians and security officials also fell in the last quarter of 2025, by nearly 4% and 19% each in November and December, respectively, as per the data collected by the CRSS.

The Pak-Afghan border was shut down for all kinds of trade and other activities on October 11, following the cross-border attacks by terrorists and Afghan forces which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The border closure also brought trade activities and pedestrian movement to a standstill. Islamabad says closures curb militant movement; Kabul denies providing safe haven to the militants.