Pakistani security personnel shot dead 22 alleged militants in clashes in the northwest this week, the military said on Friday, with a child also killed in the crossfire.
On Tuesday "a joint military operation was conducted by security forces and law enforcement agencies" that resulted in "intense exchange of fire" in which the militants were killed, a military media wing statement said.
A ten-year-old child was killed during the exchange of fire, which took place in Khyber district near the border with Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif "expressed sorrow at the martyrdom of a 10-year-old child in the unprovoked firing by the terrorists", according to a statement from his office.
Attacks, many claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) armed group, have escalated in recent years, especially in the provinces bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of providing a safe haven to militants since the Afghan Taliban returned to governing the country in 2021, which Kabul has repeatedly denied.
The assertions have frayed the relationship between the neighbours and led to regular border clashes.
Pakistan's military this year launched a wave of strikes the defence minister called "open war" in Afghanistan following a string of deadly suicide bombings.
FP/MI
Bangladesh should avoid over-alignment with any single bloc: Crisis Group
10% fare hike proposed for lighter vessels after fuel price increase
Countries move worldwide to restrict social media access for children
Woman killed after being run over by truck in Jhenaidah
Mirza Fakhrul denies fuel crisis, says 'situation created artificially' 
12 Feb election established voting rights of people: PM
Arrest warrant issued against MP Amir Hamza
Police uniform colours set for another change
Mobile signals weaken as blackouts, fuel shortages spread
US announces ceasefire extension with Iran
