Major martyred, four terrorists killed in Balochistan operations: ISPR

Four terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Kalat, while an army major was martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack during a separate operation in Gwadar, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence agencies had reported the presence of multiple hideouts of Indian-sponsored “Fitna al Hindustan” in Shadi Kaur in Gwadar district and Jattakabad in Kalat district.

Security forces launched operations in the areas to protect the local population and eliminate the reported terrorist presence, the statement said.

During an intelligence-based operation in Jattakabad on October 18, troops engaged the terrorists’ location following an exchange of fire, killing four of them. A large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered, according to the ISPR.

In a separate operation in Shadi Kaur, Gwadar district, the lead component of the security forces, led by Major Wajahat Waheed, 34, a resident of Lahore, was targeted by an IED.

The officer embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, the ISPR said.

The military said sanitisation operations would continue to eliminate any other terrorists found in the areas.

It added that counterterrorism operations under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday commended the security forces for successfully conducting operations in Balochistan’s Kalat and Gwadar districts, resulting in the neutralisation of four foreign-sponsored terrorists.

In separate statements issued by their respective media wings, the dignitaries expressed profound grief and paid rich tribute to Major Wajahat.

President Zardari extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the army officer, hailing his supreme sacrifice for the defence of the motherland. Reaffirming the nation’s resolve against hostile elements, the president stated that every plot by foreign sponsors of terrorism and their local facilitators would be thwarted. He also praised the continuous sacrifices and professional dedication of the security forces in maintaining peace and stability.

Echoing similar sentiments, PM Shehbaz paid homage to the martyred officer, stating that the nation takes immense pride in its brave sons who lay down their lives for the country’s protection. The Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and offered deep sympathies to the grieving family.

Reaffirming the government’s stance, the premier reiterated the commitment to continue the fight against foreign-backed terrorism until its complete elimination under the vision of the Apex Committee’s “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign.