Lt Col Junaid Arif, Major Tayyab Among 11 Martyred as Security Forces Eliminate 19 Indian-Backed Terrorists in Orakzai

In a major intelligence-based operation conducted in Orakzai district on the night of October 7–8, 2025, Pakistan’s security forces successfully eliminated 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Khwarij, the ISPR confirmed.

During an intense exchange of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (39) and Major Tayyab Rahat (33)—both from Rawalpindi—along with nine valiant soldiers, embraced shahadat while bravely leading their troops from the front.

The martyred soldiers include Naib Subedar Azam Gul (Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (Mansehra), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (Swabi), and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (Tank).

Following the operation, security forces launched a sanitization effort to clear the area of any remaining threats.

The ISPR reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan, stating that the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs would only strengthen the country’s determination for lasting peace and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the fallen heroes, vowing that “the nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave sons.” He said the evil designs of Indian-backed terrorists would be defeated and Pakistan’s sovereignty would remain inviolable.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed deep sorrow and lauded the security forces’ courage, calling the martyrs “symbols of Pakistan’s unbreakable resolve.”