What Happened In Katlang? Pakistan has made significant progress in its fight against terrorism. From the dark days of bomb blasts and no-go zones to peaceful cities and secure borders, our journey has been full of sacrifices. The military, police, and intelligence agencies have worked tirelessly to protect the country. Every operation, every step forward, has come at a cost, but it has also brought us closer to peace.

One such step was the recent operation in Katlang, a hilly area in district Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On March 29, 2025, Pakistani security forces conducted a successful intelligence-based operation, killing over 15 suspected terrorists. These individuals were believed to be hiding in the area and planning attacks. According to officials, the operation was based on clear information and carried out with precision to avoid civilian harm.

But just hours after the operation, a wave of social media posts began painting a very different picture. Some leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and their supporters claimed that the people killed were not terrorists but shepherds. They said these were innocent civilians and that the state had made a mistake. These claims spread rapidly online, particularly through PTI’s digital network, confusing the public.

This is not the first time such propaganda has been used for political gain. Instead of supporting the national effort against terrorism, some elements try to weaken the people’s trust in the army and law enforcement. They raise questions, spread half-truths, and twist facts to suit their political agenda.

Let’s examine the facts. First, the claim that this was a drone strike does not match the evidence. If a drone had killed the victims, their bodies would have shown burns and heavy damage. But reports clearly showed bullet wounds. This means there was ground fighting. So, the claim of a drone strike killing innocent civilians doesn’t hold up.

Second, where were the animals if the dead were shepherds? No sheep, goats, or donkeys were found at the site. This is unusual because shepherds always have their livestock with them. It’s hard to believe that over 10 people went out into dry mountains during March without any animals or grazing reasons.

Third, most of the dead were young men. Only two women were reported, and there were no children. In nomadic families, women and children are usually present. So why were only adult men present? Experts believe this pattern matches that of local facilitators or support groups for militants rather than a typical shepherd family.

There is also a strong possibility that some of the people were providing shelter, food, or safe space to terrorists. Security experts note that such “sleeper cells” or local supporters often reside in remote areas and blend in with the local population. Militants use these safe houses to rest, plan, and move weapons. In such cases, it is possible that both the terrorists and their local helpers were eliminated together.

Another strange detail is how the bodies were handed over. According to local sources, the bodies were not given by police or army personnel but by armed men in plain clothes. This raises an important question: who were these people? If they were not part of the security forces, were they connected to the militants who had survived the operation?

It’s also important to remember that Katlang is not a peaceful picnic spot. It has been used by terrorists in the past. Known militants like Mohsin Baqar and Abbas, both carrying multi-million rupee bounties, were killed in the same region. SP Ijaz Khan, a brave police officer, was martyred here in an earlier operation. Suggesting that this area is free of danger shows either ignorance or an attempt to rewrite reality.

Instead of appreciating the army’s work, PTI leaders chose to spread doubt. They have a history of avoiding police funerals and ignoring sacrifices. When 84 police officers were martyred in the Peshawar mosque attack in January 2023, no top PTI leader attended the funeral. This silence is loud.

By promoting unverified stories, PTI is not just playing politics, it is damaging the country’s fight against terrorism. Blaming the army, calling terrorists “shepherds,” and making people question official reports, these tactics help no one except the enemies of Pakistan.

The people of Pakistan support their soldiers, their police, and the intelligence services. They understand that such operations are not easy, especially in difficult terrain. The army takes great care to avoid civilian casualties, but in areas where terrorists mix with the population, the risks are always high.

The Katlang operation should be seen as what it was: a major success in the ongoing war against terrorism. It sends a strong message to militants hiding in remote areas. No place is safe for those who plan to harm Pakistan. As a nation, we must stand with our forces. We must support the truth and reject propaganda. Pakistan has paid a heavy price in this war. We must not let confusion and lies undo the progress made with blood and sacrifice.