PESHAWAR: Security forces foiled an attempt to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and killed eight terrorists in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said.

A statement issued by Inter-Services Public Rela­tions (ISPR) on Sun­day said a group of terrorists tried to infiltrate through the border on the night between April 5 and 6.

The troops at the border intercepted them, which led to an intense exchange of fire.

Eight terrorists were gunned down in the clash, while four were wounded, ISPR added.

The military’s media wing said Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective management of their side of the border.

Pakistan expected Kabul to “fulfil its obligations” and deny the use of its soil for terrorism against Pakistan.

The foiled infiltration attempt followed another one last month when troops killed 16 terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan trying to enter Pakistan through the border. The clash took place in the Ghulam Khan Kallay area of North Waziristan.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the banned TTP of using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan.

The Afghan government has denied the allegations.

However, reports by global organisations have said the banned outfit enjoyed the patronage and support of the Kabul regime.

A UN report released in February said the Tali­ban continued to provide the outlawed TTP with logistical and operational space and financial support, bolstering the group’s capacity to sustain its activities.

The report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted to the UNSC revealed that the family of TTP leader Noor Wali Masood receives $43,000 per month from the Afghan Taliban, reflecting a significant level of financial backing for the terrorist group.

The TTP has also “established new training centres in Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika (Barmal) provinces” while enhancing recruitment, including from within the Afghan Taliban’s ranks, it added.

Meanwhile, the president and prime minister have hailed the successful action by security forces in North Waziristan, APP reported.

In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for killing eight terrosits during the “timely operation”.

President Zardari said the nation “stood with its security forces in the war against terrorism”.

PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the bravery and professionalism of the security forces for thwarting the infiltration attempt.

An official statement said the PM lauded the swift and decisive response by soldiers to repel the terrorists’ attempt to enter Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2025