ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed six militants during an intelligence-based operation in the northwestern district of Bannu, the military said on Friday, amid a spike in attacks in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Authorities blame the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella group of various militant factions, for much of the violence directed against the civilians and security forces in the area.
Pakistani officials refer to TTP fighters as “khwarij,” a term rooted in early Islamic history used for an extremist sect that declared other Muslims apostates.
“On night 23/24 April 2025, Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Bannu District on reported presence of Khwarij,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement.
“During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, six khwarij were sent to hell, while four khwarij got injured,” it added.
The statement informed a “sanitization operation” was underway to eliminate any remaining militants, adding that security forces were determined to eradicate militancy from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces following the raid, acknowledging their professionalism and resolve.
“The nefarious designs of terrorists, who are enemies of humanity, will continue to be crushed,” he said in a separate statement circulated by his office, vowing that Pakistan’s fight against militancy would persist until it was completely eradicated.
Security forces kill six militants in Pakistan’s northwest
https://arab.news/c6tu9
Security forces kill six militants in Pakistan’s northwest
- Four other militants were injured in the intelligence-based operation carried out in Bannu district
- Pakistan PM praises the security forces following the raid, acknowledging their professionalism
Pakistan team creates world record for lowest target defended in first-class cricket
- PTV dismissed Sui Northern Gas for 37 while defending a target of 40, winning the President Trophy
- Previous record dated back to 1794, when England’s Oldfield defended a 41-run target against MCC
KARACHI: A Pakistan’s domestic team created a world record of defending the lowest target in all first-class cricket when they stopped the opposition in a chase of just 40 runs.
Pakistan Television (PTV), defending champions in the President Trophy, shot Sui Northern Gas (SNGPL) for a paltry 37 to win the match by a mere two runs on day three of the four-day game.
This becomes a new record in 253 years of first-class cricket, beating England’s Oldfield’s 1794 feat when they successfully defended 41 against MCC at the Lord’s Old Ground to win by six runs.
PTV’s head coach Mohammad Waseem praised his team’s historic effort.
“I am delighted with my team’s world record effort,” Waseem, a former Pakistan player, told AFP. “My team’s motto is to never give up, fight till the last ball.
“This is the not the first time, we have won all our three matches coming from well behind by remaining positive in all situations.”
The star-studded SNGPL batting led by Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood were bowled out in 19.4 overs with just one batter Saifullah Bangash crossing double figures with 14.
Masood was out without scoring while Test players, Mohammad Ali made six and spinner Sajid Khan just three.
Pakistan’s international players Omair Bin Yousuf made six and Abdul Samad five.
For the winners, left-arm spinner Ali Usman wrecked the batting with 6-9 and pacer Ammad Butt took 4-28 — the only two bowlers used in their second innings.
SNGPL’s head coach is former Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq with another former captain Azhar Ali their batting coach.
