Militants kill six Pakistani soldiers in a gunfight near the Afghanistan border

Photo : Reuters

In a violent confrontation, militants killed six Pakistani soldiers during a shootout in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as reported by the army on Saturday. This incident marks a continuation of unrest in the region, which is known for the presence of various armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban.

The clash occurred during an overnight operation in the North Waziristan district, where the army stated that six militants were also killed in the exchange of gunfire. In a separate operation within the same province, two additional militants were eliminated in Swat. One of these militants was involved in an earlier attack on a convoy carrying foreign ambassadors in the area.

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On the same day, Islamabad experienced a lockdown for the second consecutive day, leading to the suspension of cellphone services. This measure was implemented to prevent rallies in support of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned on multiple charges. The lockdown involved the deployment of shipping containers to block the city’s entry and exit points.

Despite the restrictions, videos showed supporters attempting to mobilize towards Islamabad, crammed into vehicles. In response, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other officials worked overnight to clear the shipping containers obstructing the roads.

The situation escalated as security forces reportedly arrested Gandapur for breaching a ban on rallies while attempting to enter Islamabad. Police and government officials did not immediately verify the arrest.

Clashes erupted in D-Chowk, a location close to several key government buildings, including Parliament and the Supreme Court, as supporters of Khan confronted security personnel amid rising tensions. The unfolding events highlight the ongoing political and security challenges facing Pakistan as it grapples with both militant violence and political unrest.