By Mashal Khan 

PESHAWAR - A Pakistan Army captain was martyred, and seven terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district, the military's media affairs wing said on Saturday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that security forces conducted the operation on Friday following intelligence about the presence of militants belonging to the Indian-proxy group, Fitna Al Khwarij – a term the state uses for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

During the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location. "In desperation, the khwarij took refuge inside a mosque, blatantly disregarding the sanctity of the place of worship," the ISPR statement said.

In the ensuing fire exchange, seven khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij were killed.

However, during the intense engagement, Captain Hamza Akram, aged 27 and a resident of Narowal district, who was leading his troops from the front and relentlessly pursuing the terrorists, fought gallantly and embraced shahadat.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the martyred captain, saying: "The motherland pays its profound tribute to the great sacrifice of its brave son". Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also offered his condolences, stating that the martyred officer "paid the ultimate sacrifice for the homeland and would remain alive in our hearts".

During the last three days, the Pakistan military killed at least 29 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

The latest operations comes amid a surge in terrorist activity in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Attacks have increased significantly since the Afghan Taliban returned to Kabul in 2021, as Pakistan accused Kabul of sponsoring the TTP. 

Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over the presence of TTP terrorists in Afghanistan, maintaining that they have been involved in attacks inside the country. Various UN assessments have indicated that the TTP has benefited from Taliban tolerance and even active support, including access to safe houses, movement passes, and logistical assistance. 

The Foreign Office has warned that "Pakistan's patience with Afghanistan is wearing thin," adding that "we cannot let our people be killed incessantly, mercilessly". Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, but officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

In response to cross-border attacks, Pakistan has previously carried out strikes targeting terrorist camps in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan would not hesitate to conduct strikes inside Afghanistan if attacks continue from across the border.