A Pakistani security personnel stands guard at the border along Afghanistan in Chaman, after overnight clashes between forces from the two countries. Photo: AFP
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks targeting policemen in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, which resulted in several casualties.
In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s “strong condemnation of these criminal acts” and its “permanent rejection of all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.” It expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Pakistan and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The condemnation comes amid a renewed surge in militant violence across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan’s security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations in response to the increase in attacks.
Read: Security forces kill 5 terrorists, foil attack plan in Pishin
The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Wednesday that security forces killed 34 militants in a series of high-tempo operations in the two provinces. Of these, 26 militants were linked to what the state terms Fitna al-Khawarij – referring to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – were killed in four engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while eight militants described as Fitna al-Hindustan was neutralized in Sambaza, Zhob district.
According to ISPR, security forces also thwarted an infiltration attempt near Hassan Khel in North Waziristan and killed an Afghan national associated with the militant network. Further intelligence-based operations in Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Mir Ali resulted in the killing of several militants and recovery of arms and ammunition.
Read more: Pakistan wary of militant attacks after airstrikes in Afghanistan
The recent surge in violence is linked to the cross-border militant sanctuaries. Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said terrorists often retaliate after operations against their hideouts in Afghanistan, adding that security forces remain on high alert. Intelligence agencies have also warned of a possible increase in attacks targeting city centers, markets, security forces and places of worship.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that terrorist attacks in Pakistan have increased sharply in recent years, almost quadrupling to 2,425 incidents in 2025 from 658 in 2022, underscoring the growing security challenges facing the country.
Earlier on Saturday night, Pakistan carried out intelligence-based strikes against terrorist camps inside Afghanistan in what officials described as a retaliatory response to a series of deadly suicide attacks during Ramazan.
The attacks included a bomb attack on an Imambargah in Islamabad and several explosions in Bajaur and Bannu.
Islamabad said it had “decisive evidence” that the incidents were orchestrated by terrorists operating from Afghan territory, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Kabul summoned Pakistan’s ambassador and condemned the attacks as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
