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ISLAMABAD: The 13th Pakistan-United States bilateral joint exercise &quot;Inspired Gambit-2026&quot; kicked off on Jan. 9 at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi, the military said on Saturday. The two-week-long exercise brings together professional contingents from the armies of both countries to conduct training in the counterterrorism (CT) domain, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military&rsquo;s media wing. Officials from Pakistan and the United States attended the opening ceremony. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding and operational interoperability by sharing experiences in counterterrorism operations, according to the statement. Training focuses on urban warfare marksmanship, understanding each other&rsquo;s operational doctrines, and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for effective CT operations. Joint exercises like Inspired Gambit play a key role in addressing evolving security challenges, improving professional military standards, and strengthening the capacity of both forces to operate in complex counterterrorism environments, it added.

Security

Officials from Pakistan and the United States attend the opening ceremony.


Pakistan, US begin two-week-long counterterrorism exercise

ISLAMABAD: Security forces and police killed 11 Indian-sponsored terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the northwestern province of Pakistan, on January 8, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.&nbsp;According to the military&rsquo;s media wing, six terrorists were killed during an operation carried out by security forces in the North Waziristan district after reports about their presence in the area. Troops engaged the terrorists&#39; hideout and neutralized them following an intense exchange of fire.&nbsp;In another joint intelligence-based operation conducted by police and security forces in Kurram district, five more terrorists were killed during a gunfight, the ISPR added.&nbsp;Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists, who, according to the statement, were involved in multiple terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces, law enforcement agencies and targeted killings of civilians.&nbsp;The ISPR said sanitization operations are underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the areas.&nbsp;It added that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of &ldquo;Azm-e-Istehkam,&rdquo; approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full force to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Pakistan Army's media wing says sanitization operations are underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the areas.

11 India-backed terrorists killed in Pakistan's northwest province: Military

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings with Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s top military leadership during his official visit to the Kingdom, reaffirming the commitment of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation further, the military said on Thursday.&nbsp;According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, the air chief called on Lieutenant General Turki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, and General Fayiadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaily, Chief of the General Staff of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, the air chief was accorded a guard of honor by a contingent of the Royal Saudi Air Force.&nbsp;During the meetings, both sides discussed matters related to bilateral defense collaboration, the evolving regional security environment and future avenues of cooperation.&nbsp;The two sides expressed satisfaction over the existing level of engagement and agreed to further enhance cooperation through joint training, operational collaboration and the exchange of professional expertise. Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement&nbsp;The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement was highlighted as a symbol of mutual trust and long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries.&nbsp;Air Chief Marshal Sidhu underscored the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reiterated his commitment to expanding military-to-military cooperation through bilateral and multilateral exercises.&nbsp;He also highlighted the transformation of the Pakistan Air Force into a robust multi-domain force, integrating space, cyber, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence capabilities.&nbsp;The Saudi defense leadership praised the professionalism, operational excellence and combat readiness of the Pakistan Air Force, and showed strong interest in enhanced joint training and operational collaboration, particularly in the domain of multi-domain operations.&nbsp;They also appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.&nbsp;ISPR said the visit reflects the depth of the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and underscores the shared resolve of both countries to further strengthen cooperation in the defense and aviation sectors.

Foreign Affairs

Both sides discuss matters related to bilateral defense collaboration, the evolving regional security environment and future avenues of cooperation.

Pakistan air chief meets Saudi military leadership, vows deeper defense cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reviewed operational readiness and training standards during a visit to Lahore Garrison, reaffirming the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s zero-tolerance policy towards any threat to national security, the military said on Thursday.&nbsp; According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, the army chief was given a comprehensive briefing on the formation&rsquo;s readiness, ongoing training programs and key initiatives aimed at enhancing combat efficiency in line with evolving battlefield requirements. The COAS and CDF also witnessed a specialized field training exercise incorporating latest military technologies, underscoring the Army&rsquo;s focus on innovation and adaptability to meet future challenges. He later inspected sports and recreational facilities for troops, highlighting their role in maintaining physical fitness, morale and overall well-being. During the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir also toured a High Care Center at CMH Lahore and praised the medical staff and administration for establishing a fully equipped, state-of-the-art healthcare facility for soldiers and their families. Addressing officers at the garrison, the army chief reiterated that the Pakistan armed forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country&rsquo;s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability. He stressed that professionalism, discipline and determination would continue to guide the Army in confronting multifaceted security challenges. Earlier, upon his arrival at Lahore Garrison, the COAS and CDF was received by the Commander Lahore Corps.

Reiterates that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirms 'zero tolerance' against security threats

ISLAMABAD: Terrorist attacks in Pakistan rose sharply following Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, after India faced humiliation during the confrontation, the military said on Tuesday, alleging that New Delhi subsequently activated proxy groups operating from Afghanistan to destabilize the country.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces and the nation stood united as Bunyaan un Marsoos&mdash;a wall of steel&mdash;against India during Marka-e-Haq, adding that the escalation in terrorism that followed was not coincidental.&nbsp;He described terrorism as &ldquo;the greatest threat currently facing the State of Pakistan&rdquo; and said 2025 had been a &ldquo;landmark and consequential year&rdquo; in the country&rsquo;s fight against terrorism, marked by an unprecedented intensity of counter-terrorism operations.&nbsp;According to figures shared during the briefing, Pakistan&rsquo;s security forces carried out more than 75,000 counter-terrorism operations nationwide in 2025. Of these, 14,658 were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 in other parts of the country.&nbsp;The military also reported a total of 5,397 terrorist incidents during the year. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 3,812 attacks, reflecting a 71% increase from last year, while Balochistan saw 1,557 incidents, a 29% rise. Other provinces reported 29 attacks.&nbsp;Lt Gen Chaudhry said militant violence had been on the rise since 2021, following the change of government in Afghanistan after the Doha agreement, adding that Afghan territory had since become a hub for multiple terrorist organizations operating against Pakistan.&nbsp;He stressed that terrorism could not be defeated through appeasement, saying the state had no option but to confront the threat with force.&nbsp;The military, he said, would continue intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with law enforcement agencies to maintain pressure on militant networks and secure the country.

Spokesperson says Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone witnessed a 71% surge in terrorist activities in the past year. 

Terrorist attacks in Pakistan surged after India was humiliated in May conflict: Military

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking a major milestone in strengthening the country&rsquo;s aerospace and defense capabilities, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.&nbsp;According to ISPR, the media wing of Pakistani military, the Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile is capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometers and carries a conventional warhead.&nbsp;The missile is equipped with a modern navigation and guidance system and is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to evade hostile air and missile defense systems.&nbsp;ISPR said the weapon system&rsquo;s precision-strike capability significantly enhances Pakistan Air Force&rsquo;s conventional deterrence and operational flexibility, contributing to the country&rsquo;s overall defense posture.&nbsp;The successful test highlights the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan&rsquo;s defense industry. Senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with scientists and engineers associated with the project, witnessed the launch.&nbsp;Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, congratulated the scientists, engineers and the PAF team on the achievement. He praised their professionalism, dedication and commitment to strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s defense capabilities.&nbsp;The air chief said such accomplishments reflect the nation&rsquo;s resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent amid the evolving regional security environment.

The tests launch marks a major milestone in strengthening the country’s aerospace and defense capabilities.

Pakistan tests indigenously developed Taimoor weapon system

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday summoned Afghanistan&rsquo;s interim Deputy Head of Mission to Foreign Office following a suicide terrorist attack in North Waziristan that martyred four security personnel, as Islamabad slammed Afghanistan-based militants and demanded decisive action.&nbsp;In an official statement, the Foreign Office condemned the attack in the &ldquo;strongest possible terms,&rdquo; saying it was carried out by &ldquo;Khwarij belonging to the Kharji Gul Bahadur Group&rdquo; against a military camp in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;Islamabad uses the term &ldquo;Khawarij&rdquo; for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), invoking a historical label for an extremist sect in early Islam that rejected legitimate authority and declared other Muslims apostates.&nbsp;&ldquo;To convey our strong demarche, the Afghan Deputy Head of Mission was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;Pakistan demanded a thorough investigation and concrete measures against those responsible for planning, facilitating and executing terrorist attacks from Afghan soil.&nbsp;Earlier, four terrorists were killed and four Pakistani soldiers were martyred when security forces foiled the major attack on December 19 in the Boya area of North Waziristan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).&nbsp;&ldquo;In a heinous and cowardly terrorist act, Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij attacked a security forces camp,&rdquo; the ISPR said, adding that the attackers attempted to breach the camp&rsquo;s perimeter.&nbsp;The military said troops responded swiftly, preventing the militants from entering the facility.&nbsp;After failing to penetrate the defenses, the terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer wall, causing its collapse and damaging nearby civilian infrastructure, including a mosque.&nbsp;&ldquo;This blatant act of barbarism inflicted severe injuries on 15 local civilians, including women and children,&rdquo; the ISPR said, adding that several homes were also damaged.&nbsp;Security forces engaged the attackers and killed all four terrorists. &ldquo;Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, own troops engaged the intruders with precision,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;During the intense exchange of fire, four soldiers embraced martyrdom. The ISPR identified them as Havildar Muhammad Waqas, 42, from Kotli; Naik Khanwaiz, 38, from Mansehra; Sepoy Sufyan Haider, 25, from Vehari; and Sepoy Riffat, 32, from Layyah.&nbsp;&ldquo;Having fought gallantly, these brave sons of the soil paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,&rdquo; the military said.&nbsp;The ISPR said the attack was planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan-based Khwarij, contradicting claims by the Afghan interim authorities that no militant groups are operating from their territory.&nbsp;Pakistan urged the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan reserves the right to hunt these Khwarij down and eliminate their facilitators and affiliates to ensure the safety of its people,&rdquo; the ISPR said.&nbsp;The Foreign Office added that Afghan interim authorities have been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens amid rising cross-border militancy.&nbsp;Militant activity in KP has surged since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, with armed groups frequently targeting security convoys, checkpoints, and government officials through attacks, kidnappings, and assassinations.&nbsp;Pakistan has repeatedly warned that militant groups, including Fitna al Khwarij, are operating from safe havens across the Afghan border and receiving foreign support to conduct terrorist operations within Pakistan.&nbsp;Islamabad has consistently raised these concerns with Afghan interim authorities, calling for decisive action. Despite Pakistan&rsquo;s continued diplomatic engagement and restraint, repeated cross-border attacks have escalated tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;

Pakistan summoned Afghanistan’s interim envoy after a suicide attack in North Waziristan martyred four soldiers. Islamabad blamed Afghanistan-based militants, demanded action against perpetrators, and reaffirmed its right to defend sovereignty amid rising cross-border militancy

Pakistan issues demarche to Kabul following deadly North Waziristan attack

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces,&nbsp;Field Marshal&nbsp;Syed Asim Munir, on Thursday called on Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces,&nbsp;Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the meeting, the two sides discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral defense ties, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement.&nbsp;On arrival in Libya, Field Marshal Munir was received by a Guard of Honor from a smartly turned-out contingent of the Libyan Armed Forces, underscoring the visit&#39;s ceremonial and strategic significance.&nbsp;During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on regional security dynamics, mutual defense interests, and opportunities to enhance military-to-military cooperation. Emphasis was placed on collaboration in training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism initiatives.&nbsp;Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to bolstering defense relations with Libya based on shared strategic interests, while Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and expressed his interest in further expanding defense cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;The discussions underscore Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional partnerships and enhance defense collaboration with friendly countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

The two sides discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral defense ties, the military's media wing said in a statement.

Pakistan, Libya discuss enhancing defense cooperation during CDF visit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces killed seven Indian-backed militants during an intelligence-based operation in the country&rsquo;s northwest Dera Ismail Khan district, the military said on Monday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military&rsquo;s media wing, said that during the operation, troops engaged and eliminated the militants in a firefight, recovering weapons and ammunition from them. They were linked to multiple terrorist activities in the region, according to the statement. During the intense firefight, Naik Yasir Khan, a resident of District Mardan, fought valiantly and embraced martyrdom. The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for a successful operation against Indian-backed terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan, according to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The President lauded the forces for eliminating seven terrorists during the operation, describing the action as a clear reflection of Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.&nbsp; He also paid homage to Naik Yasir Khan Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, and said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family in their hour of grief. PM Sharif praised the officers and personnel of the security forces for their professionalism and bravery during the successful operation in Kolachi area of Dera Ismail Khan.&nbsp; PM Sharif said that Pakistan&rsquo;s brave officers and soldiers never hesitate to lay down their lives for the country and the nation.&nbsp; The ISPR said the latest operations were part of Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the &ldquo;Azm-e-Istehkam&rdquo; initiative. The campaign was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan and is aimed at eliminating what the military describes as &ldquo;foreign-sponsored and supported militancy&rdquo; from the country.

The military’s media wing says the operations were conducted in Dera Ismail Khan district, as part of the Azm-e-Istehkam counterterrorism campaign; one Pakistani soldier embraced martyrdom.

Pakistan security forces kill seven militants in northwest intelligence operations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Monday successfully conducted a live weapon firing of the FM-90(N) extended range surface-to-air missile in the North Arabian Sea, reaffirming its operational readiness and combat capability.&nbsp;According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistani military, the firing was carried out from a Pakistan Navy ship, which effectively engaged highly maneuverable aerial targets during the exercise.&nbsp;The live firing demonstration was witnessed by Commander Pakistan Fleet, who observed the engagement at sea onboard a Pakistan Navy Fleet unit.&nbsp;Commander Pakistan Fleet lauded the officers and men of the Navy for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and operational competence demonstrated during the exercise.&nbsp;He reiterated Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s firm resolve to ensure the seaward defense of Pakistan and to safeguard the country&rsquo;s maritime interests under all circumstances.&nbsp;The successful firing reflects Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s continued efforts to enhance its war-fighting capabilities and maintain a credible deterrence in the maritime domain.

Commander Pakistan Fleet lauds the officers and men of the Navy for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and operational competence demonstrated during the exercise.


Articles tagged with "ISPR"

Pakistan, US begin two-week-long counterterrorism exercise

11 India-backed terrorists killed in Pakistan's northwest province: Military

Pakistan air chief meets Saudi military leadership, vows deeper defense cooperation

Field Marshal Munir reaffirms 'zero tolerance' against security threats

Terrorist attacks in Pakistan surged after India was humiliated in May conflict: Military

Pakistan tests indigenously developed Taimoor weapon system

Pakistan issues demarche to Kabul following deadly North Waziristan attack

Pakistan, Libya discuss enhancing defense cooperation during CDF visit

Pakistan security forces kill seven militants in northwest intelligence operations

Pakistan Navy conducts firing of surface-to-air missile at sea

Pakistan, US begin two-week-long counterterrorism exercise