According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists opened fire on Pakistani troops from across the Afghan border and the latter "responded in a befitting manner", Dawn News reported.

"As per credible intelligence reports, due to fire of own troops, terrorists suffered heavy casualties," the ISPR said, adding that three soldiers embraced martyrdom after fighting gallantly.

The deceased person were identified as 30-year-old Havaldar Taimoor, a resident of Jhelum; 38-year-old Naik Shoaib, a resident of Attock; and 24-year-old Sepoy Saqib Nawaz, a resident of Sialkot.

"Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that [the] Afghan government will not allow conduct of such activities in [the] future," the ISPR said, adding that the Pakistan Army "is determined to defend Pakistan's borders against the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve".