A Pakistan Army major was killed in action during an anti-terrorist operation carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district, reports said on Thursday. Quoting the Pakistan Army's military wing, the country's mainstream media reported that seven "India-backed" terrorists were neutralised in the operation.
President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces’ successful operation in Daraban, D.I. Khan, and paid rich tribute to Major Sibtain Haider for his valour and sacrifice, saying the nation’s resolve to end terrorism remains unshakable.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 9, 2025
According to the reports, the slain officer was Major Sibtain Haider, who hailed from Quetta district. He was reportedly leading a group of soldiers who led the operation when he was taken out by the enemy. The operation came just a day after 11 security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were killed in a gunfight with TTP militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district. 19 militants were reportedly neutralised during the fighting.
A proud son of Balochistan 🇵🇰
— Senator Danesh Kumar Palyani (@palyani) October 9, 2025
Major Sibtain Haider embraced martyrdom fighting terrorists.
His sacrifice is a shining example of courage and patriotism.
May Allah elevate his ranks among the martyrs.#MajorSibtainHaider #Shaheed #PakistanArmy #Balochistan #PrideOfPakistan pic.twitter.com/I54j2PlBEH
The intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan district was launched after the presence of Fitna al Khwarij or Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists was confirmed, The Dawn said in a report. Pakistan maintains that the banned organisation is an Indian proxy.
"The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave sons further strengthen our resolve," The Dawn quoted an ISPR statement as saying. In a similar statement released earlier, the ISPR had announced the Pak military's resolve to pursue "comprehensive counterterrorism operations across all domains to continue to dismantle the networks of “Indian-sponsored terror proxies”".
Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, after the banned TTP called off its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to target security forces, police, and law enforcement agencies.
