ISLAMABAD: The Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, asserted on Tuesday that the state would ensure Khyber Pakhtunkhwa does not fall into the hands of terrorists. He emphasized that counter-terrorism operations are both a constitutional mandate and a national duty.
In a significant press briefing, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of terrorism in Pakistan, contributing to 71% of terrorist incidents nationwide. He observed that the rising violence can be traced back to a nexus of political interests, crime, and terrorism, further exacerbated by a politically favorable climate for militants.
The DG ISPR strongly opposed any form of leniency towards terrorist activities, questioning whether the state should compromise with such groups if operations are curtailed.
He warned that opposing anti-terror measures only serves to empower extremist factions and reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army will not permit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or any province to fall under terrorist control. Describing terrorism as a critical national threat rather than a localized issue, he reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s security.
Pointing towards certain groups, Lt Gen Chaudhry questioned why some entities were conspicuously excluded from attacks by extremist factions like “Fitna al-Khawarij,” while most other political organizations have been targeted. He criticized those portraying themselves as legitimate representatives of such extremist ideologies.
The general overviewed an intense phase of counter-terrorism operations anticipated by 2025, framing it as a pivotal period in Pakistan’s anti-terror campaign. He presented key statistics:
- A total of 75,175 counter-terrorism operations.
- In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 14,658 operations with 16 suicide bombings.
- In Balochistan: 58,778 operations.
- Other regions: 1,739 operations.
- Nationwide terrorist incidents reaching 5,397, including 27 suicide bombings.
- Losses included 1,235 lives of martyrs.
Lt Gen Chaudhry emphasized that these operations underscore the nation’s steadfast commitment to dismantling terrorist networks. He remarked that this struggle against terrorism is not confined to security forces but represents a collective national effort. He further highlighted the unity among all political parties on pursuing the National Action Plan and condemned extremists as enemies of Islam, earning global recognition for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures.
He also addressed illegal activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly unauthorized mining operations. Drawing attention to over 5,000 mineral licenses issued in the province, he criticized misleading claims about financial inflows and underscored that sustainable development is unattainable without peace.
On regional challenges, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted Afghanistan’s transformation into a safe haven for terrorist activities following political transitions in 2021. The deteriorating security situation post-Doha Agreement had direct implications for Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban had initially committed to preventing their soil from being used for terrorism, upholding women’s rights, and forming an inclusive government. However, no tangible progress has been made on these promises. The resulting power vacuum has emboldened groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and others like ETIM targeting China and IMU targeting Central Asia. Furthermore, foreign militants have increasingly been drawn to operate within Afghanistan since developments in Syria.
Discussing terror financing and external influences, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that regional militant groups receive substantial monetary aid—amounting to $7.2 million—along with logistical support such as protective equipment and bulletproof jackets. He attributed much of this escalation to internal political fractures and poor governance in Afghanistan, which have empowered these networks. The Taliban regime’s strategic recalibration since 2021 has allowed the TTP to reorganize under a centralized structure akin to the Taliban model, with bolstered resources and influence.
Lt Gen Chaudhry’s address serves as both a condemnation of complacency towards extremism and an appeal for unified national resolve in combating terrorism and restoring security across Pakistan.
