41 terrorists killed in two separate operations in Balochistan: ISPR

PM, president laud security forces, assure nation stands firmly with armed forces

At least 41 terrorists were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBO) in Balochistan on Thursday, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday.

An IBO was conducted on the outskirts of Harnai District based on reports of "Indian sponsored Khawarij” presence in the vicinity. According to ISPR's statement, an intense exchange of fire ensued between the security forces and the terrorists, leaving 30 of the latter dead. A large cache of ammunition and explosives was seized from the site and destroyed, added ISPR.

Meanwhile, the security forces also raided a terrorist hideout in Panjgur District, in which 11 terrorists affiliated with “Fitna-e-Hindustan” were killed. Weapons, ammunition, and looted money from a bank robbery in Panjgur on December 15, were recovered as well, stated ISPR, adding that the terrorists were also involved in multiple attacks in the past.

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Sweeping operations are ongoing to apprehend any remaining terrorists in the area. The ISPR said counter-terrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, continue to be carried out by security forces and law enforcement agencies.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistan’s security forces on Friday for their successful operations in Harnai and Panjgur. “Under the vision of Azm-e-Istihkam, our security forces continue to achieve significant successes against terrorism,” he said. “The entire nation stands with the armed forces in this ongoing fight against terrorism.”

President Asif Ali Zardari also commended the security forces for their operations against terrorists in Balochistan and Bannu. “Effective action against groups such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan reflects the state’s unwavering resolve,” the President said in a statement issued by the presidency’s media wing.

Terrorism activities and IBOs

On January 25, security forces killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, the military had said. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the site, adding that the terrorists had been involved in multiple attacks in the area. Security forces are continuing search and clearance operations in the region to ensure no other terrorists remain, the statement said.

Earlier this month, Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry presented a comprehensive review of terrorist activity during 2025, describing the year as historic and result-oriented in Pakistan's counterterrorism campaign.

In the last year, he said, an extraordinary number of the IBOs were conducted across the country, reflecting both the scale of the threat and the state's resolve to confront it. "In 2025, a complete harmony was achieved between the state of Pakistan and its people on the issue of terrorism."

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Providing statistics, Lt Gen Sharif said that in 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted 75,175 IBOs nationwide - an average of 206 operations every day. Of these, he added, 14,658 operations were carried out in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 in other parts of the country.

Despite these operations, Pakistan witnessed 5,397 terrorist incidents during the year. K-P accounted for the highest number, with 3,811 incidents, followed by Balochistan with 1,557 incidents. Only 29 incidents were reported from the rest of the country. A total of 2,597 terrorists were killed during the year, Lt Gen Sharif said.

Security forces killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, the military said. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the site, adding that the terrorists had been involved in multiple attacks in the area. Security forces are continuing search and clearance operations in the region to ensure no other terrorists remain, the statement said.