A Pakistan Army captain was martyred while seven militants were killed during an intelligence-based Hangu operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces carried out the operation in Hangu district on Friday after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants linked to what the state calls Fitna al Khawarij, referring to members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

According to ISPR, troops engaged the militants during the operation. The military said the militants took refuge inside a mosque during the exchange of fire.

ISPR said seven militants were killed in the encounter. It also claimed that the militants had been involved in attacks against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of civilians.

Captain Hamza Akram Martyred

During the operation, 27-year-old Captain Hamza Akram was killed, according to ISPR.

The military said the officer belonged to Narowal district in Punjab. It added that he was leading his troops from the front while pursuing the militants.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants, ISPR said.

The military added that security forces had launched a sanitisation operation in the area. The operation aims to locate and eliminate any remaining militants.

President Pays Tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Captain Akram and praised his sacrifice.

“The motherland pays its profound tribute to the great sacrifice of its brave son,” the president said.

He said the nation remained indebted to the sacrifices of security personnel who gave their lives for the country.

Zardari also offered prayers for the deceased officer and expressed condolences to his family.

PM Shehbaz Praises Security Forces

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief over Captain Akram’s death.

According to state-run APP, the prime minister praised the officer’s courage and dedication.

Shehbaz also commended security forces for killing seven militants during the operation.

He said the government would continue operations against Fitna al Khawarij until terrorism is eliminated.

“The sacrifices rendered by our brave armed forces and law-enforcement agencies for the defence, peace and security of the country and nation will not go in vain,” the prime minister said.

He also prayed for the departed officer and for strength for his family.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences over Captain Akram’s death.

Naqvi said the officer had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. He added that his service would be remembered.

Ten Militants Killed in Earlier KP Clashes

The latest operation came a day after ISPR reported the deaths of 10 militants in two separate clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the military, eight militants were killed after a group attempted to attack security checkpoints in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan.

In a separate encounter in Dir district, security forces killed two more militants, ISPR said.

The military has continued operations across parts of KP following an increase in militant activity in the province.

Key Commander Killed in Bannu

In a separate development, security forces killed a senior militant commander during an operation in Bannu district, a security official said.

The commander was identified as Jamidullah. According to the official, he was involved in militant activities and had expertise in operating quadcopters.

Security forces carried out the operation in the Jani Khel area based on intelligence reports, the official said.

The operation resulted in Jamidullah’s death, according to the security official.

July Recorded Heavy Violence

The latest clashes came amid a wider increase in violence in Pakistan.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, violence linked to militant attacks and counter-terrorism operations increased sharply in July.

The Islamabad-based think tank described July as the deadliest month of 2026. It reported that 205 people were killed during the month, including 112 security personnel.

The latest operations highlight the continued security challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces regularly conduct intelligence-based operations against militant groups.