WEBDESK: In a major blow to India sponsored terrorism, Swat police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) successfully killed three key militants of Fitna al-Khawarij, a group identified as an Indian proxy. The joint operation was carried out on Saturday and included the elimination of a high value target carrying a bounty of Rs2 million.
According to CTD officials, the terrorists were responsible for attacks on security forces, the killing of police personnel, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). They were also accused of extortion and spreading fear across the region.
Among those killed was Ajmal alias Waqas, a most-wanted terrorist charged with murdering members of a Village Defence Council. The second militant was identified as Matiullah, who also used the aliases Ishaq and Junaid. The third, Rahimullah Rehmani, was known by the alias Rohullah.
Authorities confirmed the militants were receiving financial support from foreign sources, allegedly routed from India, to fuel instability and violence in Pakistan’s northwest.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sher Akbar Khan described the operation as a major success. He said it had dealt a “decisive blow” to the operational networks of Fitna al-Khawarij in Swat and neighbouring areas.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD and local police for their swift action. He pledged to continue and intensify such operations to ensure peace and stability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The crackdown is seen as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to counter India’s covert backing of militant groups trying to destabilise the country through acts of terror.
Read more: Pakistan ready for ‘meaningful’ dialogue with India on terrorism: Ishaq Dar
