In a sombre and devastating turn of events, 11 Pakistani Army personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, were martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Orakzai District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the military’s public communications wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched the operation late on Tuesday night following credible intelligence of the presence of militants affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — referred to in official statements as “Fitna al Khwarij.”
The Operation and the Firefight
The ISPR statement says that the troops, acting on the intelligence tip-off, moved into the area believing militants were actively hiding there.
During the operation, a fierce exchange of fire erupted between the security forces and militants. In the course of the engagement, 19 militants were killed, as per the military’s claim of “effective engagement.
”Tragically, the counter-fire from militants also inflicted heavy losses. Among the fallen were Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (age 39) — leading from the front — and his deputy, Major Tayyab Rahat (age 33).
Alongside the two officers, nine other soldiers lost their lives. The fallen were identified by name and age:
- Naib Subedar Azam Gul (38)
- Naik Adil Hussain (35)
- Naik Gul Ameer (34)
- Lance Naik Sher Khan (31)
- Lance Naik Talish Faraz (32)
- Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (32)
- Sepoy Tufail Khan (28)
- Sepoy Aqib Ali (23)
- Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24). The ISPR also said that a “sanitisation” (clearing) operation was underway in the area to eliminate any remnant militants. The military framed the operation as part of a broader campaign to “wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism” and described the slain militants as “Indian-sponsored khwarij.”
Possible Underlying Causes and Responsibilities
While the immediate cause of death was enemy gunfire during the clash, several broader factors and responsibilities merit discussion:
Intelligence Risks & Accuracy
Operations based on intelligence inputs always carry inherent uncertainties — information may be incomplete, outdated, or misleading.
If the intelligence underestimated militant strength, positioning, or their readiness, the troops could have been exposed to ambush or heavier resistance than expected.
The insurgents may have had warning or counter-surveillance capabilities, compromising operational surprise.
Tactical Challenges & Terrain
Orakzai, being in the tribal and mountainous region near the Afghan border, offers rugged terrain, concealment, and difficult lines of communication. Militants familiar with the area can exploit this to launch surprise counterattacks or ambushes. Movement through such terrain in darkness or under low visibility further increases the risk.
Force Deployment & Firepower Disparity
Even with elite troops, if the number of attackers or their firearms, preparedness, or positioning is superior, the defenders (or attackers) may suffer losses. In this case, the militants managed to inflict casualties on well-trained forces.
Whether the troops had sufficient backup, heavy weapon support (rocket launchers, armored cover, aerial support) is not detailed — lacking such support could have made them vulnerable.
Militant Preparedness & Strategy
The TTP has a history of using asymmetric warfare: ambushes, IEDs (improvised explosive devices), hit-and-run tactics, and leveraging cross-border sanctuaries. News reports suggest that militants may have detonated roadside bombs before engaging, intensifying the complexity.
The militants are believed to operate from bases or sanctuaries across the Afghan border, complicating Pakistan’s ability to pursue them or deny them a haven.
Broader Strategic Responsibility
The Pakistani military has long held that certain militant groups—especially the TTP—benefit from cross-border logistical support, training, or sanctuary in Afghanistan. Islamabad accuses Kabul of failing to prevent these groups from striking across the border.
Pakistan also accuses India of backing or sponsoring “proxy” militant groups (terms like “Indian-sponsored khwarij”) — a contested claim, but used in official narratives.
Governance gaps, intelligence coordination, resource constraints, and long-term counterinsurgency strategy also contribute to the exposure and vulnerability of troops in frontier zones.
Escalation of Militant Activity
In recent years, militant violence has surged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other border regions. The TTP ended a ceasefire in 2022 and has increasingly targeted military and security installations.
Reports suggest the third quarter of 2025 saw near-parity in violence compared to all of 2024, indicating intensifying conflict.
Reaction & Statements
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly paid homage to the fallen soldiers and expressed grief over their martyrdom. He congratulated the security forces for neutralising 19 militants and affirmed that the sacrifices of the troops would not be in vain.
The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, also extended tributes and condolences, lauding the valor of the brave officers and soldiers, and reaffirmed national resolve to eliminate the threat of terrorism. (
Opposition and other political figures also expressed solidarity and support for the armed forces during this crisis.
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