ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised Pakistan’s security forces after they successfully foiled a militant attack targeting Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The PM condemned the attack and lauded the swift action of security personnel, who eliminated two militants during the response.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers had rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the college, causing it to collapse and damaging nearby structures.
After the blast, three militants entered the college premises but were cornered inside the administrative block, the ISPR said.
"The cowardly enemy once again attempted to target an educational institution, but their plan was successfully foiled," the PMO stated.
The ISPR noted that the militants involved were in communication with handlers based in Afghanistan.
"Khwarij hiding inside the college premises are in contact with their masters and handlers in Afghanistan and are receiving instructions," the ISPR said, adding that the act was "orchestrated by Khwarij from Afghanistan."
Pakistan identifies Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as khwarij, invoking a historical label for a radical sect in early Islam that violently opposed established leadership, accused fellow Muslims of disbelief, and justified rebellion through extremist interpretation.
The statement further said the incident contradicts claims by the Afghan Taliban authorities that such militants are not operating from Afghan soil.
"Pakistan reserves the right to respond against terrorists and their leadership present in Afghanistan," the ISPR warned.
The militants, the statement continued, were linked to what it described as an "Indian proxy group, Fitna al-Khwarij," and had attempted to emulate the 2014 Army Public School attack in Peshawar.
The objective of the attack, the ISPR noted, was to instill fear among students from the region who are pursuing education to build better futures.
Security forces are currently conducting a clearance operation in the area.
The PMO reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework will continue, as endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
"This campaign will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism," the statement said.
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