Pakistan remains fully prepared to defend its borders and protect its citizens: DG ISPR 

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has firmly dismissed the possibility of any talks with terrorists, stressing that Pakistan’s stance on the matter is unwavering.

Speaking to senior journalists on Monday, he said Pakistan’s response to the recent Pak-Afghan tensions was “swift, calculated, and effective.” Sharing details of the confrontation, he disclosed that 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 112 Khawarij militants were killed during the clashes.

Lt Gen Chaudhry said that recent meetings between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, held in Doha and Istanbul, were solely aimed at addressing terrorist activities being launched from Afghan territory against Pakistan.

Highlighting the country’s determination to eliminate militancy, the DG ISPR revealed that security forces have neutralized 1,667 Khawarij terrorists, including 128 Afghan nationals, in over 6,200 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the country.

He assured that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully equipped and ready to defend national borders and ensure the safety of its citizens. 
The DG ISPR added that counterterrorism operations were proceeding successfully in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s sovereignty in policy decisions, he observed that Afghanistan is currently under an interim government lacking popular and political legitimacy. 
For sustainable development, he emphasized the need for a representative setup in Kabul with participation from all segments of society, including women.

Expressing concern over the growing nexus between narcotics traffickers and Afghan politics, he noted that large volumes of drugs are being smuggled into Pakistan from across the border.

Responding to a question the DG ISPR said that the decision regarding the Gaza peacekeeping force will be made by the government and parliament.