ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday visited Cadet College Wana, where security forces recently thwarted a militant attack aimed at targeting students and staff.
He was received by Inspector General Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (South), Major General Mehr Umar Khan. During the visit, Naqvi met Pakistan Army officers and soldiers who successfully repelled the assault and safely rescued all cadets and teachers.
He also interacted with students and faculty members, commending their courage and high morale in the aftermath of the incident. Briefings were given to the minister on how the attack was foiled and how all students and teachers were evacuated without casualties. Naqvi lauded the professionalism and bravery displayed by the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, calling their actions “an exemplary display of courage and expertise.”
“These are not just terrorists; they are beasts with no connection to humanity,” Naqvi said. “No religion permits targeting children, and these animals follow no religion. Calling them human is an insult to humanity.”
He added that the attackers intended to stage an atrocity similar to the Army Public School tragedy, but the prompt and decisive action of the security forces “sent the militants to hell and defeated their conspiracy.”
Naqvi declared all officers and soldiers involved in the rescue operation as “national heroes,” and announced that Cadet College Wana would soon undergo comprehensive renovation and restoration.
The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to stand by the armed forces and to ensure the safety of educational institutions across the region.
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All attackers in Wana Cadet College attack were Afghan nationals, say security sources
All terrorists involved in the Wana Cadet College attack were Afghan nationals, security sources confirmed on Thursday, revealing new details about the planning and execution of the assault.
According to intelligence findings, the attack was planned inside Afghanistan, and the assailants remained in constant communication with handlers across the border throughout the operation.
Sources said the final order to carry out the assault was issued by foreigner Noor Wali Mehsud, while an Afghan identified as Zahid masterminded the planning. The attackers were reportedly provided with equipment and logistical support from Afghan soil.
The attack, officials believe, was aimed at raising security concerns in Pakistan and destabilising the region. Following the assault, the responsibility was claimed in the name of Jaish-ul-Hind on the orders of Noor Wali Mehsud, in an attempt to deflect attention from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Security officials added that the so-called faction Fatna al-Khawarij sought to distance the TTP from the operation amid pressure from the Afghan Taliban not to use its name. In a video recorded during the attack, one of the militants repeatedly mentioned Jaish-ul-Hind, while in an intercepted audio clip, another attacker was heard speaking in Urdu and referring to the same group.
Authorities said the identities of the slain Afghan terrorists have eliminated all doubts about their origin and affiliations. Investigations are ongoing to trace their facilitators and cross-border networks involved in supplying arms and equipment for the assault.
