Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday said that Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in eliminating terrorist networks and providing security to its citizens at all costs.
Addressing a news conference in Rawalpindi on Friday, he said that the war against terrorism, Fitna al-Khwarij and their facilitators will continue till elimination of the last Kharji.
The DG ISPR said that Pakistan's armed forces have rendered matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
“The entire nation pays tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan armed forces and law enforcement agencies,”
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that 59,775 Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) were conducted against terrorists and their facilitators during the last year. He said that 925 including Khwarij were killed during these operations.
The DG ISPR added that 73 high value targets and 27 Afghan terrorists were also killed. He added that 14 wanted terrorists surrendered. He said 383 brave officers and soldiers embraced martyrdom during these counter-terrorism operations.
Regarding Afghanistan, the ISPR chief said Pakistan played an important role for peace and stability in its neighbouring country. But, it is unfortunate that terrorists have continuously been using Afghan soil to stoke terrorism inside Pakistan.
He said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has categorically expressed Pakistan's reservations over the banned organizations' sanctuaries inside Afghanistan as well as their facilitation to conduct terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Talking about the Western Border Management Regime, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said all the projects under this initiative are about to completion. He said 72% of tribal districts have been cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
“Crackdown against smuggling, power theft, narcotics, and hoarding is also continuing on the direction of the government. This strategy has significantly reduced the illegal spectrum,” the DG ISPR said.
He said enforcement of one-document regime has also helped curtail the illegal border crossings.
The ISPR chief further said that 815,000 illegal Afghan nationals have gone back to their country since September last year.
Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted that the national interest should always take precedence over any political leader’s personal ambitions.
Addressing questions about rumours regarding secret talks between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the military, he clarified that while the military holds all political parties and their leaders in high regard, the well-being of the country must always come first.
The military’s spokesperson stressed that no individual or political group should put their pursuit of power above the needs and stability of the nation.
He welcomed the concept of dialogue between political parties, acknowledging the importance of peaceful conversations to address differences and resolve conflicts.
The DG ISPR also welcomed any effort by politicians to engage in constructive dialogue, seeing it as a positive development for Pakistan's political landscape.