Colonel, Major among 11 soldiers martyred, 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in Orakzai operation

Eleven Pakistan Army soldiers including two senior officers were martyred and 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed in a fierce gunbattle during an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai District, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to a statement released by the ISPR on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and Major Tayyab Rahat were among the 11 Pakistan Army personnel martyred in the firefight.

The ISPR statement said on the night between 7 and 8 October 2025, security forces personnel conducted an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai District, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khwarij.

During the conduct of the operation, 19 Indian-sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops.

However, during the intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (age: 39 years, resident of District Rawalpindi), leading his troops from the front along with second in command Major Tayyab Rahat (age: 33 years, resident of District Rawalpindi) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat along with his nine men.

The nine brave soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice included Naib Subedar Azam Gul (age: 38 years, resident of District Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (age: 35 years, resident of District Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (age: 34 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (age: 31 years, resident of District Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (age: 32 years, resident of District Mansehra), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (age: 32 years, resident of District Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (age: 28 years, resident of District Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (age: 23 years, resident of District Swabi), Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (age: 24 years, resident of District Tank).

Sanitization operation was being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Khwarji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve, the ISPR statement concluded.

 

President, PM commend security forces
 
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday praised the security forces for their brave and successful operation in District Orakzai.

In a statement, the president expressed satisfaction over the elimination of 19 Indian-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorists.

He paid tribute to the martyred officers Lt Colonel Junaid Tariq, Major Tayab Rahat, and others, calling them heroes of the nation.

President Zardari extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for strength and patience for them during this difficult time.

“Our brave soldiers have set an everlasting example by sacrificing their lives in the defence of the country,” the president said, adding that the sacrifices of the martyrs are a symbol of national unity and unwavering resolve.

He also reaffirmed the nation’s determination to completely eliminate Indian-backed terrorists from Pakistan’s soil.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday paid tribute to security forces for eliminating 19 terrorists of India-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij in an operation in Orakzai district.

The prime minister, in a statement, expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Lt. Col. Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat, along with other brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army, during the security operation.

He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families to bear the loss.

“The sacrifices of the brave soldiers will never go in vain. We will thwart the nefarious designs of India-backed terrorists. Those attempting to harm Pakistan’s integrity will not succeed,” the prime minister said, reiterating the government’s resolve to purge the country of terrorism.

Mohsin Naqvi praises forces

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised the security forces for killing 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Orakzai. 

He paid tribute to 11 soldiers including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid and Major Tayeb who were martyred in the operation. 

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs. He prayed for the recovery of the two injured soldiers. 

In his message, Mohsin Naqvi said that the great sacrifices of the martyrs are unforgettable and the nation will always be indebted to them. 

He said every drop of the blood of the martyrs is a reflection of our unwavering resolve against terrorism.

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor