Security forces neutralise Afghan national involved in terrorism during Zhob operation: ISPR

Published
0
A photo of Afghan national Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel. — ISPR
A photo of Afghan national Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel. — ISPR

Security forces have neutralised an Afghan national linked to terrorism in the country during an operation in Balochistan’s Zhob district, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On January 11, 2025, an Afghan national, involved in terrorism inside Pakistan, was killed in the Sambaza area of Zhob district of Balochistan.”

“The individual was identified as Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel, Son of Haji Qasim Dawran Khan, resident of Village Bilorai, District Wazekhwa, Paktika Province, Afghanistan,” the statement added.

The statement said Ahmedkhel’s body was handed over to Afghan officials on Monday after necessary procedural formalities.

“Such incidents are irrefutable evidence of the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist activities in Pakistan,” the statement said.

“Interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the ISPR statement concluded.

Islamabad has consistently voiced concerns that the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) uses Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan, asking the Afghanistan government to rein in the group. Kabul denies the allegations.

Owing to the issue, Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have lately turned tumultuous, marked by frequent border skirmishes.

In a meeting last week, the political leadership asked the military’s top brass to engage with Afghanistan to address security issues.

In an almost four-hour-long meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, the representatives of several political parties expressed concerns over the prevailing law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, the COAS pointed out that the Afghan interim rulers had failed to adhere to repeated warnings in the past.

“They don’t listen to us,” a source quoted the army chief as saying in reply to the suggestion of formal or informal dialogue with the interim Afghan government.

In the face of recurring attacks, security forces have also increased targeted operations in Balochistan and KP.

On Sunday, security forces killed five terrorists when they were attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan, the ISPR said in a statement.

It said a group of terrorists attempted to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border through the Sambaza area of Zhob district on the night between Saturday and Sunday.

This is the same area where the Afghan national was killed, according to the ISPR.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...