The operation has been taking place since Saturday.

Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement: " Based on credible intelligence, a clearance Operation is underway in Kahan area of Balochistan since 24 Dec 2022. Today, an IED exploded close to the leading party."

The deceased were identified as Captain Fahad, Lance Naik Imtiaz, Sepoy Asghar, Sepoy Mehran and Sepoy Shamoon.

" The sanitization Operation continues in the area to apprehend perpetrators," ISPR said in the statement.