ISLAMABAD – October 9, 2025: In a fierce intelligence-based operation in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan district, security forces successfully eliminated seven terrorists associated with the Indian-sponsored group Fitna-ul-Khawarij, but not without loss — Major Sibtain Haider, 30, embraced martyrdom leading the assault.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place in the Daraban area, where credible intelligence had identified militant presence tied to Fitna-ul-Khawarij. During the intense exchange of fire, Major Haider, a native of Quetta, led his troops from the front and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Sound of Hope | CMH Multan’s Cochlear Implant Milestone Transforms 100 Children’s Lives
PM Shehbaz Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire, Pays Tribute to Palestinian Resilience
Fresh Wave of Militancy Hits Balochistan and KP; Multiple Attacks and Abductions Reported
The slain militants were reportedly carrying a cache of arms and ammunition, recovered at the site following the firefight. ISPR says the destroyed group had been actively involved in a series of violent acts targeting security forces, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians.
Authorities have initiated sanitisation operations throughout the area to flush out any remaining militants or facilitators linked to the network.
ISPR emphasized that such operations reinforce the security forces’ resolve to eradicate terrorism, especially those supported by external actors, and that Major Haider’s sacrifice strengthens this determination.
Lahore | Multan Road Unrest Deepens After TLP Crackdown; Dozens Injured
Israel and Hamas have signed off on ‘first phase’ of Gaza peace plan: Trump
UK PM Keir Starmer Announces Yash Raj Films to Shoot 3 Movies in the Country
Reactions and Political Response
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both issued statements lauding the success of the operation and condemning the militant groups. They extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Major Haider and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism from Pakistani soil.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the sacrifices of “our brave officers and personnel” are vital in the ongoing struggle against forces that threaten national stability. He pledged unwavering support to the military and called on all institutions to stand united against such provocation.
Shah Rukh Khan to host Filmfare Awards 2025
FGEHA Director Land Gunned Down in Islamabad’s Blue Area, Intense Hunt Underway
Importance and Context
Daraban lies in the troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, an area historically vulnerable to militant infiltration and violence. The designation Fitna-ul-Khawarij has been used by Pakistani security agencies to describe a militant umbrella group with foreign backing, often understood to include or overlap with banned groups like the TTP and their affiliates.
This operation comes amid heightened counterterror activity in KP and adjoining regions. In recent weeks, similar operations have targeted terror hideouts and supply lines, aiming to dismantle networks before they strike. The elimination of militants in Daraban not only serves tactical security goals but also signals to adversaries that Pakistan’s military is capable of precise and intelligence-driven responses.
As the military ramps up security and clearance efforts, local communities in D.I. Khan is likely to see increased patrols, checkpoints, and efforts to restore normalcy. Major Haider’s martyrdom is expected to rally public sentiment toward greater cooperation with security agencies in isolating sympathizers and rooting out militant support structures.
Mushtaq Ahmed to return to Pakistan on Thursday
Pakistan Locks $3.5B Deal to Revive Reko Diq Mining Project
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for more. Download our app for the latest news, updates & interesting content!
