Captain, lieutenant among six martyred as eight terrorists killed in Hangu fire exchange: ISPR

Says sanitisation operations underway in the surrounding areas to clear any remaining terrorists

Two officers were among six security personnel martyred while eight terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an exchange of fire took place between a security forces convoy and terrorists in Hangu district on Sept 20.

“Eight Khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were killed due to effective engagement by own troops,” it said.

Fitna Al-Khawarij is the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

However, during the intense exchange of fire, two officers leading their troops from the front also lost their lives along with four other personnel, the ISPR said.

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The officers were identified as Captain Abuzar Farooq, 23, a resident of Gujranwala district, and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, 22, a resident of Chakwal district.

The ISPR said the officers “fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat” along with their four men.

The statement said sanitisation operations were underway in the surrounding areas to clear any remaining terrorists and ensure the security of local residents and vital national highways, adding that the counterterrorism campaign under the government-approved “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework would continue with full resolve.

“Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country,” the statement said, adding that the sacrifices of the country’s brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the six security personnel, including Captain Farooq and Lieutenant Babar, who embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the terrorists in Hangu.

Paying tribute to the “great sacrifice” of officers and the four other personnel, the minister said the martyrs had bravely confronted the terrorists of Fitna-al-Khawarij and killed eight terrorists.

“The martyrs are the pride of the nation and their eternal sacrifices will always be remembered,” Naqvi said, adding that the nation can never repay the debt owed to the great sacrifices of the martyrs.

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He also expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the martyrs.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also hailed the security forces for killing terrorists and paid homage to the martyrdom of the country’s brave sons.

“Security forces have rendered eternal and unprecedented sacrifices for the sake of peace and security in the country,” Shah said.

He said the great sacrifices of the security forces would always be remembered.

“The martyrs are the pride of the nation and the crown on our heads,” he said while praying for the high ranks of the martyrs.

Terrorism is a growing problem for Pakistan, with the number of attacks rising every year since 2022, according to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a global monitoring organisation. Data from ACLED shows attacks in Pakistan rose nearly fourfold to 2,425 in 2025 from 658 in 2022.

Earlier this week, security forces killed 10 terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Khawarij in multiple engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between Sept 15 and 17, while six soldiers embraced martyrdom,

Last month, security forces killed 11 terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in K-P and Balochistan, targeting suspected members of Fitna Al-Khawarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan.