Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces successfully foiled a major infiltration attempt by terrorists crossing from Afghanistan, killing all 16 assailants in a swift operation near the Pak-Afghan border, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred in the Ghulam Khan Kili area of North Waziristan on the night of March 22-23. Security forces had been closely monitoring the movement of the group as they tried to enter Pakistan. Upon interception, a fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the elimination of all 16 infiltrators.
The ISPR emphasized that the operation underscores the preparedness and resolve of Pakistan’s forces in safeguarding the country’s borders from cross-border threats.
In response to the latest infiltration attempt, Pakistan has once again called on the interim Afghan government to enhance border security and ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for their successful action, reiterating the government’s steadfast commitment to defending the nation and eradicating terrorism.
The incident comes amid a troubling surge in terror activities across Pakistan. According to recent data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), militant attacks jumped by 42% in January 2025 compared to the previous month. The think tank recorded 74 terrorist incidents nationwide, resulting in 91 deaths — including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants — and injuring 117 others.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the most affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts alone, 27 attacks were reported in January, causing 19 fatalities and numerous injuries.
As Pakistan faces a renewed wave of militancy, especially in its western border regions, authorities continue to stress the need for enhanced cooperation with Afghanistan to address the growing cross-border threat.
