Brigadier martyred in encounter with 'hardcore terrorists' in South Waziristan: ISPR.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday that a brigadier from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was martyred during an encounter with 'hardcore terrorists' in South Waziristan's Angoor Adda.

In the statement, the ISPR said that an intense exchange of fire took place between the two sides, adding that Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki was martyred 'while leading the encounter from the front' and seven others were injured, including two who were critically wounded.

The military's media affairs wing said Brigadier Barki and his team 'put up a valiant resistance against the terrorists during the encounter and the officer sacrificed his life for peace of the motherland'.

'Defence forces of Pakistan and intelligence agencies pledge to reaffirm and demonstrate firm resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from every inch of the country,' the ISPR said.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed regret over the incident and said Brigadier Barki had 'sacrificed his life for the peace of motherland', adding that his sacrifice would not go in vain.

'The terrorists will be found out [and] they will have to pay a heavy price,' the foreign minister said.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan also said he was 'saddened' to hear of the news and extended his condolences to the brigadier's family.

3 soldier martyred during exchange of fire with militants in DI Khan

Separately, the ISPR said three soldiers embraced martyrdom while three terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district.

According to the statement, terrorists had opened fire on a police checkpost last night in Khutti area, prompting security forces to immediately block all possible escape routes.

'Fleeing terrorists were intercepted in the general area Saggu, DI Khan district. After an intense exchange of fire, three terrorists were sent to hell,' the ISPR said, adding that weapons and ammunition were also recovered.

The statement added that during the intense exchange of fire, 42-year-old Havaldar Muhammad Azhar Iqbal, 34-year-old Naik Muhammad Asad and 22-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Essa were martyred.

'Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any...