President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised and hailed the courage of the security forces for a successful operation
Security forces killed eight terrorists in an intelligence-based operation conducted in Bannu district on November 21, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the joint operation by security forces and law enforcement agencies was launched after reports emerged of the presence of terrorists associated with the Indian-sponsored group Fitna Al Khawarij.
The ISPR stated that troops approached the suspected hideout and came under fire. Security personnel returned fire and after an intense exchange, eight terrorists were killed.
Arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who, according to the ISPR, had been involved in several terrorist attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel and in targeted killings of civilians.
The military’s media wing noted that the operation reflects strengthened cooperation between security forces and law enforcement agencies, which have significantly intensified intelligence-led operations across the region. These coordinated measures aim to restrict the movement of Khawarij elements, dismantle their facilitation networks, and limit their ability to reorganize.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif’s security response to the terrorist attack in Bannu district and the killing of 8 terrorists
“Under the vision of آزم ستحمل کے security forces are achieving without terrorism. Puri قوم ترمهرکدی که کلف اس… pic.twitter.com/OeUvfUBrOH
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 22, 2025
Clearance operations were underway to clear the area of any remaining militants. The ISPR added that the ongoing counter-terrorism drive under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework – endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan – would continue with full determination to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement hailed the security forces for what he described as a successful operation against Fitna al Khawarij in Bannu. He praised the professionalism and bravery of the troops involved and noted the significant progress being made under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam. “The entire nation stands with its armed forces in the war against terrorism,” he said.
President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the successful joint intelligence operation. He hailed the courage and determination of the personnel who eliminated eight terrorists who were allegedly operating with external support. Coordinated actions against such groups, he noted, strengthened national solidarity.
The President stressed that eliminating foreign-backed terrorist networks remained a top national priority and critical to ensuring long-term peace and stability in the country.
