Sixteen terrorists have been killed in a firefight during a security operation by the Pakistan Army in North Waziristan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place in the Ghulum Khan Kalay area, where security forces thwarted an attempt by terrorists to cross into Pakistan. The firefight resulted in the deaths of 16 militants.

The ISPR had reiterated Pakistan's repeated calls to the Afghan interim government for effective border management. It is expected that the Afghan government will fulfil its responsibilities and prevent the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan.

The Pakistan Army affirmed the security forces' commitment to safeguarding the country's borders and eliminating terrorism.

President Asif Ali Zardari extended his heartfelt praise to Pakistan’s security forces after they successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan. The security forces had killed 16 militants during the operation, further ensuring the nation’s borders remained secure from external threats.

President Zardari emphasised that the brave forces of Pakistan were steadfast in their commitment to protecting the country's borders at all costs. “The valiant armed forces remain resolute in their dedication to safeguarding our national frontiers,” President Zardari stated. He reiterated that the ongoing operations would continue until terrorism had been entirely eradicated from the country.

“The entire nation stands united with the security forces in this war,” President Zardari said, assuring the public that efforts to combat terrorism would not cease until victory was achieved.

PM Shehbaz expressed his admiration for the courage and efficiency of Pakistan’s security forces, after their success in preventing an infiltration attempt in North Waziristan.

The attack, which involved militants attempting to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan, was promptly foiled, with all 16 intruders being neutralised.

“The foreign militants attempted to infiltrate from Afghanistan at the Ghulam Khan Kalay area, but our forces stood strong and ensured the safety of our nation,” the prime minister said. He went on to praise the officers and soldiers involved in the operation.

PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan would not allow terrorist ambitions to succeed, emphasising the unwavering stance of the country against those who sought to destabilise it. “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with our brave forces in the fight against terrorism,” he added.

Also Read: Captain martyred, 10 terrorists killed in DIK operation

Earlier, a Pakistan Army captain was martyred while leading a successful anti-terror operation in Dera Ismail Khan, where security forces eliminated 10 terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Thursday.

The operation, based on intelligence, took place on March 20, 2025. During a fierce exchange of gunfire, Captain Hasnain Akhtar, a 24-year-old officer from Jhelum district, embraced martyrdom while fearlessly leading his troops from the front.

The ISPR report stated that the security forces had recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during the operation. The slain terrorists were reportedly involved in numerous anti-state activities, including attacks on law enforcement agencies and the targeted killings of innocent civilians.