Peshawar: Pakistan Army spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has reaffirmed the army’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) emphasized that terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains fueled by a nexus of political and criminal elements. He assured the public of the Army’s resolve to address this challenge in collaboration with the resilient people of the region.
General Chaudhry noted that Pakistan has been engaged in combating terrorism for over two decades. He highlighted the immense sacrifices made by both security forces and civilians, underscoring their shared efforts in rooting out terrorist activities. According to the DG ISPR, Pakistan has been conducting approximately 40 intelligence-based operations daily, bringing the total number of operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to 14,535 in 2024 alone. These operations resulted in the elimination of 769 terrorists but came at a considerable cost 577 individuals lost their lives, including 272 military personnel, 140 police officers, and 165 civilians.
Providing additional figures for 2025, General Chaudhry revealed that security forces conducted regular counter-terrorism operations, killing 917 terrorists. However, these actions also claimed 516 lives 311 from the Pakistan Army, 73 from law enforcement agencies, and 132 civilians. He connected these efforts to a broader strategy initiated after the Army Public School (APS) tragedy in 2014, wherein law enforcement agencies adopted a coordinated plan to eliminate both terrorists and their facilitators across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The DG ISPR outlined several factors contributing to the persistence of terrorism, including inadequate implementation of the National Action Plan and external threats stemming from Afghan territory. He noted with concern that the misuse of Afghan soil, particularly by elements supported by India, exacerbates security challenges within Pakistan. Furthermore, he lamented the personal and collective sacrifices made as a consequence of political ambitions or vested interests, particularly highlighting the strain on law enforcement personnel.
Addressing historical and recent measures to counter terrorism more effectively, General Chaudhry stated that decisions had been taken in previous years to strengthen police forces and enhance the capacity of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Nevertheless, he acknowledged limitations in manpower and resources allocated to these critical institutions, saluting the bravery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s police despite these constraints.
In reference to regional security dynamics, General Chaudhry criticized neighboring Afghanistan for failing to honor commitments outlined in the Doha Agreement, wherein it was agreed that Afghan territory would not be utilized for terrorist activities. He pointed to evidence of American-origin weapons being recovered during counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of broader security lapses in the region.
General Chaudhry also addressed the ongoing informal debate surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan. He asserted that while Pakistan has hosted millions of refugees for over four decades, it is imperative that Afghanistan ensures its territory is not exploited against Pakistan. He firmly rejected any attempts by foreign narratives or agendas to compromise Pakistan’s sovereignty or security.
In his concluding remarks, DG ISPR reaffirmed that securing Pakistan’s citizens is a national responsibility and cannot be contingent on external assistance or goodwill. Rejecting any reliance on foreign aid for security, he emphasized that actions would continue to narrow space for terrorists and their facilitators while honoring the sacrifices of martyrs. Resolutely pledging that these sacrifices will not be in vain, he called upon all segments of society to support state institutions in eradicating terrorism decisively.
Finally, when questioned about potential bilateral dialogue with India regarding ongoing conspiracies against Pakistan, General Chaudhry refrained from direct commentary but reiterated the Army’s commitment to safeguarding national interests against all forms of internal and external threats.
