Latest news with #Khawarij


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Four TTP men neutralised in DG Khan
Punjab Police on Sunday carried out a major operation against operatives of outlawed TTP in DG Khan and killed four alleged terrorists. According to a statement, police received intelligence about the movement of terrorists at Daulat Wala Mor, located in Kot Mubarak, a border area between Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The terrorists were reportedly setting up illegal checkpoints in the area. Later, Punjab Police and its Elite Force teams swiftly moved in, while commandant of Border Military Police, Asad Khan Chandia, sealed entry routes into the tribal area. The police later surrounded the terrorists and launched an operation, during which intense exchange of fire took place. The TTP operatives, heavily armed, attacked police teams, but Punjab Police responded "with timely and effective action, foiling their nefarious plans". In the operation, four TTP men were killed, while several others were injured. According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, the remaining terrorists used the cover of darkness, bushes and dunes to flee the scene. Police recovered weapons and explosives from the possession of the deceased terrorists. A search and sweep operation is ongoing in the area following the encounter. President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to law enforcement agencies for "eliminating four Khawarij during an operation in DG Khan".


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab Police kill four terrorists in Dera Ghazi Khan
Punjab Police on Sunday killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Kot Mubarak area of Dera Ghazi Khan district. According to a spokesperson for Punjab Police, law enforcement officials launched the operation following credible intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) near the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border. As police teams encircled the area and commenced the operation, the terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce exchange ensued, during which four terrorists were killed, the police spokesperson said. Punjab Police foil major terror attack in Dera Ghazi Khan Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site, he said. 'Some of the militants managed to escape into nearby bushes and dunes,' he said, adding that a search and sweep operation was underway to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects. Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar commended the local police for their swift and effective response, stating that Punjab Police remain a 'fortified wall' against extremist elements and will not allow anti-state actors to succeed in their nefarious designs. PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir vow decisive action against Indian-sponsored proxies in Balochistan Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Dera Ghazi Khan police for what he described as a successful operation against 'the menace of Khawarij.' 'The entire nation stands united in the fight against terrorism,' the premier said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. 'We will not rest until the complete eradication of this menace from the country.' The prime minister also praised the professionalism and bravery of the officers and personnel involved in the operation, noting the enduring sacrifices of police and law enforcement agencies in the ongoing war against terrorism.


Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Afghan Taliban commander issues warning to TTP
KABUL: A senior commander of the Afghan Taliban has issued a stern warning to militant factions operating under the banner of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - also referred to as Khawarij -cautioning them against engaging in violent activities in Pakistan without the explicit approval of the Islamic Emirate's leadership. Addressing a police passing-out ceremony, Saeedullah Saeed, a senior figure within the Taliban ranks, said that Jihad can only be declared by the Amir (supreme leader) of an Islamic state and not by individuals or groups acting independently. 'Fighting in any country, including Pakistan, without the command of the Amir is against Shariah and considered Fasad (corruption), not legitimate Jihad,' Saeed said. He added that those who launch operations across borders based on group loyalty or personal motivations are defying Islamic principles as well as the authority of the Afghan leadership. TTP continues to jeopardise Pak-Afghan ties: SAPM Sadiq 'Joining different factions and carrying out jihad abroad does not make one a true Mujahid,' he asserted. 'Such actions are rooted in ego and factionalism, not religious duty.' The commander further clarified that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has prohibited any unauthorized movement across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, stressing that such actions amount to disobedience of the Emirate's leadership. Saeed's remarks come amid growing concerns over cross-border militancy and increased attacks inside Pakistan, many of which have been linked to groups affiliated with the banned TTP, some of whose factions are believed to operate from Afghan soil. Security analysts in Pakistan have welcomed the statement, viewing it as a potential step towards curbing militant activities along the porous border. Experts say the Taliban's official stance lends weight to Pakistan's narrative on counterterrorism, particularly in highlighting the distinction between legitimate resistance and terrorism masked as Jihad. 'This statement strengthens Pakistan's internal security narrative, helps isolate non-state actors engaged in violence, and supports Islamabad's diplomatic position internationally,' a senior defence analyst told Dawn on the condition of anonymity. The commander's warning also alluded to the involvement of foreign-backed groups in destabilizing the region. Analysts point out that factions operating under the Khawarij label, often referred to as Indian proxies by Pakistani officials, are attempting to justify their militant actions under religious pretexts — a tactic Saeed explicitly rejected. The use of the term Khawarij — historically used to denote rebels who deviate from mainstream Islamic teachings — has often been employed by the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani officials alike to delegitimise militant factions operating outside state authority. Saeed's remarks are being seen as an affirmation of the Taliban's evolving stance towards regional militancy, especially in the context of their own governance challenges and international isolation. The Afghan Taliban's position on cross-border militancy remains under close observation as Islamabad continues to press Kabul to take stronger action against groups that target Pakistan from Afghan territory. While Kabul has repeatedly denied hosting militants who threaten neighbouring countries, statements like those made by Saeed indicate a growing recognition within the Afghan Taliban of the need to assert control over rogue elements.


Asharq Al-Awsat
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Pakistan President Praises Security Forces for Killing 9 ‘Terrorists'
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari praised the country's security forces for killing nine Indian-backed 'Khawarij' during three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Zardari said the operations against 'Fitna al-Khawarij" members were based on accurate intelligence. 'Operations against security forces will continue till complete elimination of terrorism,' he said, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). He then described the successful operations as 'commendable,' stressing Pakistan's 'determination to root out terrorist elements and defend the country.' Zardari also expressed the national resolve to completely eradicate 'Fitna al-Khawarij.' Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office said some 110,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Pakistan, including a minimum of 8% of Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, have both high-risk profiles with increased international protection needs, and specific or cumulative vulnerabilities that could qualify them for resettlement, according to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. The Resettlement Program in Pakistan has been active since the 1980s and more than 20,000 vulnerable refugees have now departed for resettlement to third countries to find safety and rebuild their lives, UNHCR said in its latest resettlement factsheet on Pakistan Operation. 'Resettlement is unique in that it is the only durable solution that involves the relocation of refugees from an asylum country to a third country,' the UN agency said. Those prioritized include survivors of violence, vulnerable women and girls, at-risk children, and individuals with serious medical conditions. In return, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) warned that Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis, marked by extreme poverty, food insecurity, and a strained health system, is worsening due to a mass influx of returnees, largely triggered by Pakistan's Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). 'This influx of Afghan nationals has put further strain on an already fragile infrastructure, complicating efforts to provide essential services to those in need,' the IFRC said.


Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
President Zardari commends security forces for eliminating Indian-sponsored terrorists
President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday praised the security forces after nine terrorists linked to the outlawed 'Khawarij' group were killed in intelligence-led operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The military's media wing said the operations took place on May 24 and 25 in three separate encounters. The terrorists were described as being 'Indian-sponsored,' according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). In a statement from the Presidency, President Zardari praised the valor and professionalism of the security forces, emphasising that the operations—based on precise intelligence—demonstrate Pakistan's steadfast commitment to eradicating terrorism and safeguarding national sovereignty. 'These successful operations against Indian-sponsored terrorist elements are highly commendable,' President Zardari stated. 'Our security forces have once again exhibited unmatched bravery and dedication in neutralising threats to national security.' He reaffirmed that counterterrorism efforts will persist until the complete elimination of terrorist networks. 'The fight against terrorism is far from over. The total dismantling of Khawarij and other extremist groups remains a national objective, and we are fully committed to achieving it.' Reiterating Pakistan's unyielding resolve, President Zardari assured the nation that its defence will not be compromised under any circumstances. 'Our determination to eliminate terrorism and protect our homeland remains unwavering.'