RAWALPINDI, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (WNP): The Pakistan Army on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to eleven of its brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Orakzai district, reaffirming the nation’s pride in the armed forces’ tradition of leadership, courage, and sacrifice.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched following credible reports about the presence of Khawarij terrorists linked to the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij in the area.

During the intense exchange of fire, security forces killed 19 terrorists, effectively neutralizing a major threat to peace and stability in the region.

Among the martyrs were Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (39, resident of District Rawalpindi) and Major Tayyab Rahat (33, resident of District Rawalpindi), who led their troops from the front and fought gallantly until embracing shahadat in the line of duty.

Nine other valiant soldiers also made the supreme sacrifice for the defence of the motherland. They include Naib Subedar Azam Gul (38, District Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (35, District Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (34, District Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (31, District Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (32, District Mansehra), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (32, District Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (28, District Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (23, District Swabi), and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24, District Tank).

The Pakistan Army lauded their courage and devotion, stating that the operation exemplified the hallmark of its leadership — where officers lead their men from the front and stand shoulder to shoulder with their troops in the face of danger.

Their sacrifice, the Army said, will forever be remembered as a symbol of unwavering commitment to the defence, peace, and sovereignty of Pakistan.