Peshawar (Web Desk): Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has reaffirmed the military’s resolve to pursue Khawarij terrorists and their supporters with full force, regardless of their identity or influence.
He was addressing a press conference held at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar on Friday.
At the start of the press conference, the DG ISPR paid glowing tribute, on behalf of the Pakistan Armed Forces, to the “brave sons of soil” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) who have laid down their lives for the nation.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhrysaid the entire nation stands united and resolute like an unbreakable wall against terrorism and its backers.
He made it clear that the prevailing circumstances will not continue indefinitely and warned that anyone assisting the Khawarij must either hand them over to the authorities, stand with the state in eradicating terrorism to protect innocent lives, or face firm action from the state.
The DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s state institutions, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies are the ultimate custodians of national security.
He stressed that the protection of Pakistan’s citizens cannot be outsourced to any other country. Urging the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to fulfill its constitutional duties, he criticized the provincial leadership for relying on Afghanistan for security cooperation.
He also pointed out that India continues to exploit Afghan territory to promote terrorism inside Pakistan.
He noted that the armed forces are performing internal security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa strictly in accordance with the law and the constitution.
Paying homage to the martyrs, he said their sacrifices are a matter of national honor and serve as a driving force in the fight against terrorism, assuring that their blood will not be wasted.
Answering a question, the DG ISPR said Pakistan has repeatedly called upon Afghan authorities to ensure that their soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.
He reaffirmed that the armed forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and will continue to take every necessary measure to ensure internal stability.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry strongly denounced the misleading and malicious propaganda campaigns designed to undermine counterterrorism operations and discredit the sacrifices of security personnel.
He said such narratives expose the corrupt alliance of political and criminal elements seeking to damage the credibility of national institutions. He asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces and state institutions are unwavering and will not be swayed by any political maneuvering.
He declared that the state and the people of Pakistan will not be held hostage to the whims of any individual responsible for the resurgence of terrorism, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry pointed out that Pakistan, and particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been confronting the menace of terrorism for the last twenty years.
He explained that the province has borne the brunt of militancy but has also shown exceptional resilience and courage in this prolonged struggle.
The DG ISPR reiterated the military’s firm determination to root out terrorism from the country, asserting that victory in this struggle depends on close cooperation between the people and the armed forces.
Reflecting on the tragic 2014 Army Public School massacre, he said the incident became a pivotal moment that led to the establishment of the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat terrorism. Despite its significance, he admitted that the plan’s complete enforcement continues to face obstacles.
Turning to the issue of internal security, he expressed concern over the insufficient manpower in provincial police forces, observing that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has only about 3,200 officers, which he described as inadequate.
Giving a statistical overview, he revealed that during the year 2024, security forces carried out 1,435 intelligence-based operations across KP.
As a result of these actions, 769 terrorists were neutralized, including 58 who were identified as Afghan nationals.
He said 272 soldiers from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, along with 140 police officers, embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, while 165 civilians also lost their lives amid these operations.
The DG ISPR reiterated the military’s firm determination to root out terrorism from the country, asserting that victory in this struggle depends on close cooperation between the people and the armed forces.
Reflecting on the tragic 2014 Army Public School massacre, he said the incident became a pivotal moment that led to the establishment of the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat terrorism. Despite its significance, he admitted that the plan’s complete enforcement continues to face obstacles.
Lt Gen Chaudhry outlined multiple factors behind the persistence of terrorism, including the existence of militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan, India’s sponsorship of extremist groups, and the large quantity of weaponry left behind by the United States following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, which later came under the control of terrorists.
He said that India is utilizing Afghan soil to stage terror activities against Pakistan.
Speaking about negotiations with militant organizations, General Chaudhry contended that if dialogue alone could resolve conflicts, wars would never have taken place. He maintained that terrorism demands firm and resolute action rather than attempts at appeasement.
Turning to the issue of internal security, he expressed concern over the insufficient manpower in provincial police forces, observing that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has only about 3,200 officers, which he described as inadequate.
The DG ISPR emphasized the need to enhance the capacity and resources of the police, calling them an essential component of the country’s fight against terrorism.
He also voiced alarm over the administrative vacuum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that the armed forces are filling that gap at the cost of their lives.
Th DG ISPR warned that no one should be permitted to endanger the nation’s peace, security, or territorial integrity for personal or political advantage.