Islamabad, 19 October (H.S.): A Pakistan Army major was killed and four militants were eliminated during intelligence-based security operations in the Kalat and Gwadar districts of Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Major Wajahat Waheed, 34, from Lahore, was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck security personnel during a clearance operation in the Shadi Kaur area of Pasni tehsil in Gwadar district.

The operations followed intelligence inputs about militant hideouts in Jattakabad in Kalat district and Shadi Kaur in Pasni. On October 18, security forces targeted a militant hideout in Jattakabad, killing four militants after an exchange of fire. A cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered.

During a subsequent clearance operation in Shadi Kaur, an IED explosion struck a security contingent led by Major Waheed, killing the officer. Security forces continued efforts to clear the area and eliminate remaining militant threats.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the slain officer and expressed condolences to his family. He said Waheed had sacrificed his life for the country's peace and security and that his contribution would be remembered by the nation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar