RAWALPINDI: Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Monday categorically rejected the Afghan Taliban regime’s allegation of allowing the US drones to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.
Lt Gen Chaudhry addressed senior journalists during a briefing, firmly stating that the allegation is untrue. He emphasized that Pakistan has not permitted the US to conduct attacks on Afghanistan from its territory.
The military spokesperson also elaborated that there is no agreement between Islamabad and Washington that grants permission for such actions against Afghanistan.
Opium cultivation financing militancy
Highlighting the critical link between opium production and militancy, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed details about counterterrorism operations. He stated that numerous cross-border terrorists had been neutralized, many of whom were identified as Afghan nationals. Over the past three to four months, security forces have killed 112 foreign fighters, around 60% of whom had Afghan origins.
According to the DG ISPR, casualties have also included 206 soldiers from the Afghan army in various skirmishes. He noted that combatting the narcotics trade is a significant part of their operations. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where terrorism thrives on a narco-economy, efforts have been concentrated on eradicating poppy fields.
He shared that in the Tirah Valley, drones, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and Frontier Corps targeted opium cultivation and processing facilities. Approximately 12,000 acres are under poppy cultivation in KP alone, with profit margins ranging between Rs1.8 million to Rs3.2 million per acre. He also warned of the involvement of local politicians and other entities in this lucrative trade.
Taliban’s failure to uphold Doha Agreement
Lt Gen Chaudhry criticized the Afghan Taliban for not fulfilling their commitments under the Doha agreement. He pointed out that promises of holding a Loya Jirga and establishing a representative government have yet to materialize. While reaffirming Pakistan’s preference for peaceful negotiations to resolve issues, he signaled that alternate measures would be considered if talks fail.
Additionally, he accused certain factions within Afghanistan of offering sanctuary to militants targeting Balochistan and moving fighters into civilian locations to exploit them as human shields.
Potential false-flag operation by India
The DG ISPR issued a warning about a possible false-flag operation by India, likely via maritime routes. He suggested such an operation would be used to spread false narratives about a significant strike against Pakistan. Assuring that Pakistan remains vigilant, he emphasized that any move compromising the country’s territorial security would be met with a firm response.
The military spokesperson underscored that Pakistan’s actions are defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty amidst evolving challenges.
