Mardan: The spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Barrister Saif, has confirmed the killing of civilians, including women and children, during a security forces operation in the mountainous region of Katlang, Mardan district.
According to Barrister Saif, the counter-terrorism operation was carried out based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. “Subsequent reports indicate that some civilians were present around the operation site. We regret the loss of innocent lives, including women and children,” he stated.
However, the spokesperson did not disclose the number of civilian casualties or their identities.
Local sources told Human Online that five victims belonged to a single family from the village of Ghaligai. Among them was 18-year-old Shaheen, who was reportedly accompanying her family to cook meals while they herded goats in the Mardan mountains due to cold weather in Swat. Other identified victims of this family were Wazir Zada, Imroz Khan, Umar Ali, and Naseeb Zada.
The bereaved families and local residents staged a protest by placing the bodies on the Swat Express Highway, demanding justice. The demonstration was called off after local elders negotiated with government officials. Authorities reportedly agreed to file an FIR, provide compensation under the ‘Shaheed Package,’ and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
According to Deputy Commissioner Dr. Azmatullah Wazir, the negotiations involved District Police Officer Zahoor Babar Afridi, Member of the Provincial Assembly Zarshad Anjum, and Mufti Hammad Yousafzai, among others. Following successful talks, the motorway was reopened for traffic.
Local sources asserted that the victims had no connections with any unlawful activities and were merely earning a livelihood by herding goats.
Barrister Saif condemned the tragic incident, labeling it a “heartbreaking and unfortunate event” resulting from an operation targeting terrorists. “The government extends its deepest condolences and support to the affected families during this difficult time,” he said.
He further assured that compensation and financial aid for the victims’ families would be provided. Additionally, he confirmed that the operation successfully eliminated several high-value terrorists involved in ongoing militant activities in the region.
The spokesperson reiterated that protecting civilians remains the top priority in such operations. However, unforeseen casualties may occur due to the challenging terrain, terrorists hiding within civilian populations, and the urgency of counter-terrorism measures.
During the operation, three suspected locations were bombed using drones, resulting in militant casualties. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
