One soldier martyred, 12 terrorists killed as security forces foil infiltration attempt in Kurram: ISPR

Security forces killed 12 terrorists and Afghan Taliban while thwarting an infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, with one soldier martyred during the exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the movement of a group of khawarij trying to approach international border from Afghanistan to Pakistan was detected and effectively engaged by security forces on October 10.

The security forces, maintaining a high state of alertness and vigilance, effectively thwarted the infiltration attempt. The ISPR said that “Afghan Taliban posts also opened fire to support the infiltration attempt by khawarij”.

“Skilful and precise engagement by vigilant troops resulted in the killing of twelve khawarij and Afghan Taliban,” the statement added.

The ISPR said that Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman, 40, a resident of Ghizer district, was martyred during the intense exchange of fire. It added that he had “fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat”.

Read: Security forces foil infiltration attempt in North Waziristan

The statement further said that the incident along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border once again vindicated Pakistan’s “objective and factual stance” regarding the wilful abject failure of the Afghan Taliban regime to deny the use of Afghan soil to the terrorist organisation, rather facilitate and patronise cross-border terrorism.

“The Afghan Taliban regime has consistently failed to honour its international counter-terrorism obligations,” the ISPR said.

The security forces remained resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defending the country’s frontiers, the statement added.

A sanitisation operation was underway to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored kharji found in the area, the ISPR said. It added that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace.

The campaign, being conducted by the security forces and law enforcement agencies, aimed to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism in the country, the statement added.

“These sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation and its frontiers at all costs,” the statement concluded.

President Zardari pays tribute to martyr

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for foiling the infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He also expressed “profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman during the operation.”

In a statement posted on X, President Zardari paid rich tribute to the martyr “for laying down his life in defence of the homeland,” extending “heartfelt condolences and sympathy” to the bereaved family. The statement also noted that President Zardari prayed “for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and patience for the bereaved family.”

“Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman sacrificed his life for the protection of the country’s borders, setting a great example of courage and bravery,” the statement said.

It added that President Zardari also paid tribute “to the professional expertise and readiness of security forces for foiling the terrorists’ infiltration attempt and sending 12 Khawarij and Afghan Taliban to hell.”

“The Afghan government’s patronage and support of terrorist elements poses a grave threat to regional peace and security,” the president said, adding that if the Afghan Taliban regime “considers Pakistan’s patience, caution, and responsible approach as our weakness, then it is their grave folly.”

“Pakistan can not only send these infiltrating terrorists to hell but also annihilate their patrons,” President Zardari said, adding, “It is better that this gang reviews its policies in its own interest.”

Naqvi pays tribute to forces, martyr for ‘crushing’ enemy’s design

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman and the security forces for “crushing the enemy’s nefarious designs to dust.”

The Ministry of Interior noted that Naqvi paid tribute to the martyr, stating that he “embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the enemy,” and expressing heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family.

According to the ministry, Naqvi stated, “I salute the brave soldiers of the security forces,” adding that “the nation takes pride in the professional capabilities and courage of the security forces.”