Islamabad: Pakistani security forces successfully thwarted a major infiltration attempt on Monday, killing at least 16 terrorists attempting to enter the country through North Waziristan, following the reopening of the Pak-Afghan Torkham border.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence reports had detected terrorist movements near the Ghulam Khan Kallay area in North Waziristan. Security forces engaged the infiltrators in an intense firefight, neutralizing all 16 terrorists.
“Following heavy exchange of fire, all 16 Khwarij (terrorists) were eliminated,” the ISPR stated.
The incident comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan through diplomatic engagements. Recently, both countries reopened the Torkham border after a 26-day closure and agreed on a ceasefire to ease tensions. High-level diplomatic meetings have been taking place to strengthen cooperation in trade, border management, and other key areas.
A Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Sadiq Khan, recently visited Kabul for discussions with the Afghan Taliban leadership. The visit followed a U.S. delegation’s trip to Afghanistan and was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and addressing long-standing issues.
Following the latest infiltration attempt, Pakistan has urged the Afghan government to take stricter measures to prevent cross-border terrorism.
“The Interim Afghan Government must fulfill its responsibility and prevent its territory from being used by Khwarij to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan,” the ISPR statement emphasized.
