Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar has said that security forces carried out successful strikes against hideouts of the Gul Bahadur group in the border areas of North and South Waziristan, killing dozens of terrorists.

The Gul Bahadur group is affiliated with the banned Fitna Al Khwarij militant group and was involved in various terrorist activities in Pakistan. The federal minister strongly denied reports that civilians were targeted during the operation.

Tarrar said that during a 48-hour ceasefire agreement, Fitna Al Khawarij militants active on the Afghanistan side tried to carry out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, but security forces effectively foiled those attempts.

He added that more than 100 terrorists were killed during the retaliatory operations.

The minister said that militants of the Gul Bahadur group also carried out a suicide attack in North Waziristan using a vehicle laden with explosives, which killed one soldier and several civilians and left many others injured.

Tarrar stated that late last night, based on intelligence reports, precision strikes were carried out against the Gul Bahadur group, killing 60 to 70 terrorists, including members of their leadership.

“These are all propaganda spread by supporters of terrorist groups to generate sympathy for militants operating out of Afghanistan,” he said.

The information minister said Pakistan believes the sustainable solution to terrorism emanating from Afghan soil — under the Indian patronage — lies in dialogue and bringing non‑state actors under the control of Afghan authorities.

At the same time, he stressed that Pakistan has the full right to protect its territorial sovereignty and citizens and will not allow any terrorist to carry out attacks against Pakistan.