Rawalpindi (Web Desk/Agencies): Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry on Thursday reaffirmed the Pakistan Armed Forces commitment to fighting terrorism until the last extremist is eliminated.
Addressing a press conference, the ISPR chief provided an update on country's internal security, counter-terrorism measures and other issues.
The briefing comes after a series of deadly terror attacks in Balochistan on August 26, which claimed the lives of 50 people, including 14 security personnel. In response to these attacks, security operations have been intensified across the region.
He said that security forces had carried out 32,173 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) so far in 2024, with 4,021 conducted in the past month alone. During these operations, 90 terrorists, referred to as “khawarij,” were neutralized.
Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif reiterated the resolve of the Pakistan Army, police, and intelligence agencies to continue the fight against terrorism, stating “The war against Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
The DG ISPR also paid tributes to the sacrifices of 193 soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the last eight months, calling them real heroes of the nation. He assured their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
Highlighting a recent operation in the Tirah Valley against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups, Lt Gen Chaudhry said that since August 20, 37 terrorists had been killed, including a top commander, Abuzar, also known as Saddam. Four soldiers were martyred during the operation, he added.
“These successful IBOs are a testament to the bravery and commitment of our security forces to eradicate terrorism,” he added.
Referring to the August 26 attacks in Balochistan, reportedly orchestrated by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the DG ISPR attributed the violence to “internal and external enemies” hell bent upon destabilizing the province’s peaceful environment. He pointed out the military’s swift response, during which 21 terrorists were eliminated.
Acknowledging the challenges in Balochistan, he noted that certain elements exploited some sort of ‘deprivation’ among the local population. He stressed the military’s commitment to development and peace in the province despite these’ adversities.
During the press conference, the DG ISPR also addressed the court martial of former spymaster Faiz Hameed.
He emphasized the Pakistan Army’s strong and transparent self-accountability process, stating that any violations of laws or regulations were addressed promptly and without discrimination.
“This self-accountability process works on solid proof and evidence rather than allegations,” Lieutenant General Chaudhry said, adding the matter concerning Faiz Hameed was referred to the army for investigation through the defense ministry.
The country has seen a rise in terrorist attacks, with 59 incidents reported in August, up from 38 in July, according to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). The majority of these attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, he added.
In response, he said Pakistan’s military had ramped up its counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the most affected regions of KP and Balochistan. The military leadership, during a recent Corps Commanders Conference, vowed to safeguard the country’s “hard-earned successes” against terrorism.
Following the attacks, he said the federal government had expressed full support for Balochistan’s fight against terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced financial assistance worth Rs 5 million to strengthen security efforts in the province, he added.
The Pakistan Army and the nation’s leadership have made it clear that the fight against terrorism will continue until peace and stability are fully restored across the country,” the DG ISPR said.
