RAWALPINDI: Eight terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Khwarij were killed during an exchange of fire between Pakistan’s security forces and terrorists in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the fire exchange took place between a security forces convoy and Khwarij in Hangu district. Security forces effectively engaged the terrorists, killing eight Indian-sponsored terrorists.
However, during the intense fire exchange, six security personnel also embraced martyrdom, including two officers who were leading their troops from the front, ISPR said.
The martyred officers were identified as Captain Abuzar Farooq, 23, a resident of Gujranwala district, and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, 22, a resident of Chakwal district. Four other soldiers also embraced martyrdom during the clash with terrorists.
The military’s media wing said a sanitisation operation was underway in the area to eliminate any other terrorists found there.
ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under vision Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, would continue with full force to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
The military’s media wing said the sacrifices of the soldiers further reinforced the security forces’ commitment to safeguarding the country at all costs.
PM Sharif, President Zardari pay tribute to martyred personnel
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the martyrdom of security forces personnel in Hangu and paid tribute to the security forces for sending eight terrorists to hell.
President Zardari expressed profound sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lieutenant Shiraz Babar, and the soldiers.
The President commended the bravery and courage of the martyred personnel.
صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا ہنگو میں سیکیورٹی فورسز کے جوانوں کی شہادت پر اظہارِ افسوس، شہداء کو خراجِ عقیدت۔
صدرِ مملکت کا ہنگو میں بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم فتنہ الخوارج کے 8 دہشت گردوں کو جہنم واصل کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین۔
صدرِ مملکت کا کیپٹن ابوذر فاروق،…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) September 20, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for killing eight terrorists in the Hangu operation and expressed condolences over the deaths of Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lieutenant Sheraz Babar and four other soldiers.
“The martyred officers and soldiers have demonstrated exceptional courage in defending the country and fighting terrorism,” the prime minister said.
He expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and prayed for the departed souls and patience for their families.
PM Sharif said: “Operations against Fitna Al-Khwarij would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism.”
He reiterated that actions under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with full force to eliminate what he described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
