In a recent surge of violence, six Pakistani soldiers were killed during a shootout with militants in the country’s northwest region, the military confirmed on Saturday. This region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, shares a border with Afghanistan and is known to harbor armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban.
Operation in North Waziristan Results in Losses
According to a statement from the army, the soldiers lost their lives in an overnight military operation in North Waziristan on Saturday. The same operation resulted in the deaths of six militants. This region has been the site of frequent clashes due to its location and the presence of militant groups.
Separate Operation in Swat Targets Militants
In a separate operation within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, two additional militants were killed in Swat. One of the militants was reportedly involved in a recent attack on a convoy of foreign ambassadors earlier this month, underscoring the ongoing unrest in the area.
Islamabad Lockdown Amid Political Tensions
Meanwhile, political unrest continues to grip Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, where cellphone services were suspended for a second day as part of a lockdown. The lockdown is aimed at preventing rallies in support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned on multiple charges.
- Entry and Exit Blocked: Authorities have used shipping containers to block entry and exit points to the city.
- Supporters’ Response: Despite these measures, supporters of Khan’s PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party were seen in videos, attempting to head toward the capital, defying the lockdown.
- Chief Minister’s Involvement: Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other party members were reportedly working through the night to clear blocked roads for Khan’s supporters.
Planned Rally in Lahore
Khan’s PTI party has announced plans to hold a rally in Lahore as a show of solidarity and support for their leader, despite the growing political tensions and restrictions imposed by the government.
Military Operations
This recent escalation in both militant attacks and political unrest highlights the ongoing instability in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and its capital, Islamabad. The situation remains tense as both military operations and political protests continue to unfold across the country.
References:
- Military statement on operations in North Waziristan and Swat
- PTI party updates on protests in Islamabad and Lahore