Tarar says security forces killed dozens of Gul Bahadur ‘Khawarij’, denies civilian casualties

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that Pakistan’s security forces carried out successful precision operations against confirmed hideouts of the Gul Bahadur “Khawarij” group in border areas of North and South Waziristan, killing dozens of militants, and denied media reports that civilians were targeted.

Tarar said that during a 48-hour ceasefire window militants operating from Afghanistan attempted multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, but security forces foiled those attempts and responded effectively.

He claimed that more than 100 militants have been killed in retaliatory actions overall.

The minister described one recent attempt by the Gul Bahadur group as a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack in North Waziristan that killed one soldier and several civilians, injuring others.

He added that, based on actionable intelligence, precision strikes were launched overnight that eliminated the group’s leadership and some 60–70 fighters.

“These reports of civilians being targeted are propaganda spread by sympathizers of terrorist organisations to generate sympathy for militants operating from Afghan soil,” Tarar said, according to his statement.

Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s position that the sustainable resolution of terrorist activity emanating from Afghan territory requires dialogue and Afghan authorities’ control over non-state actors, but stressed that Pakistan will not tolerate cross-border terror and retains the right to defend its territory and citizens.

A Foreign Office statement echoed the minister’s view, saying Pakistan does not seek escalation with Afghanistan but expects decisive action against groups such as the TTP and BLA that threaten Pakistani security.