ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday lauded its security forces for their swift and decisive response to a terrorist attack at Cadet College Wana, where all students and staff were rescued unharmed.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar praised the armed forces’ bravery: “I salute the soldiers who stood against suicide bombers to save these young school kids. Hats off to them.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack carried out by "khawarij" militants, describing it as another attempt to target an educational institution.
Pakistan labels the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a coalition of armed groups, as “khawarij,” a term from early Islamic history that describes an extremist faction that revolted against legitimate authority and declared other Muslims to be apostates.
“Once again, the cowardly enemy tried to target an educational institution, but their attempt was foiled,” said the PM. “The unwavering resolve and strength of our security forces will continue to defeat the evil designs of terrorists.”
“For the defense of the country, our security forces stand like an unbreakable wall. The entire nation salutes our security forces,” the prime minister added.
According to security sources, all terrorists involved in the attack were neutralized after a coordinated clearance operation.
“Four khawarij and one suicide attacker were taken down in a coordinated push, and not a single student or teacher was harmed, and the building is now being swept due to the threat of landmines,” they said.
Security forces successfully rescued all students and teachers as the operation reached its conclusive phase. Sources added that the clearance was conducted carefully due to the presence of Afghan-based terrorists inside the college and the paramount need to ensure cadets’ safety.
Earlier this week, the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that attackers had rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the college, causing it to collapse and damaging nearby structures. Three militants then entered the college premises but were cornered in the administrative block.
The ISPR noted that the attackers were in communication with handlers in Afghanistan.
“Khawarij hiding inside the college premises are in contact with their masters and handlers in Afghanistan and are receiving instructions,” the statement said, describing the attack as “orchestrated by khawarij from Afghanistan.”
Pakistan’s military also emphasized that the militants were linked to what it described as an “Indian proxy group, Fitna al-Khawarij,” and that the attack sought to emulate the 2014 Army Public School assault in Peshawar.
The ISPR warned that such acts contradict claims by Afghan authorities that militants are not operating from Afghan soil. “Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan,” the statement added.
The ISPR further said the attack aimed to instill fear among students pursuing education in the region but noted that Pakistan’s security forces ensured their protection.
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