Rawalpindi: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressing the media at General Headquarters Rawalpindi on Friday.
The media talk comes a day after a military court sentenced 60 criminals in cases related to the May 9 riots.
Highlighting the long and ongoing war of the armed forces against terrorism, the ISPR DG said that more terrorists were killed this year than in the last five years.
“Pakistan has fought a long war against terrorism and is still fighting it. It has sacrificed a lot in this war,” he said.
He said that 59,779 intelligence-based operations were conducted against terrorists during the last one year. Meanwhile, 925 terrorists including Khawarij were killed and many were arrested. This was the highest number of terrorists killed in a single year during the last 5 years.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said that the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies, including the police, are conducting more than 169 operations daily to combat the menace of terrorism.
The spokesperson of the Pakistan Army further said that the armed forces have successfully thwarted several terrorist plots.
He added that during various operations, huge quantities of weapons were recovered from terrorist hideouts, which shows the scale of the threat and the success of counter-terrorism efforts.
He also emphasized that several high-profile terrorists were neutralized in these operations, which is a major achievement in the fight against extremism.
Additionally, 73 most wanted terrorists were killed, further strengthening the nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said that two suicide bombers have been captured, while 14 wanted terrorists have surrendered to the authorities. He further informed that 383 officers and men have lost their lives in the ongoing war against terrorism.
Roots of Terrorism
Highlighting the regional challenges, ISPR DG said that Pakistan has continuously worked for peace in Afghanistan. However, despite these efforts, terrorist acts originating from Afghan soil remain a threat to Pakistan.
He emphasized that terrorism often has its roots in Afghanistan and Pakistan is committed to eliminating terrorist networks without compromise.
The Army spokesperson also pointed out that significant progress has been made in the prevention of smuggling, which is a success in enhancing border security and economic stability.
He also mentioned the ongoing repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, stressing that the process is being carried out in an orderly manner.
Addressing the war against terrorism, DG ISPR reviewed the operations of the army. He further revealed that 27 Afghan terrorists were killed, the suicide bombers arrested from Balochistan have shockingly confessed their involvement.
Highlighting the sacrifices of the army in the war against terrorism, he said that this year 383 officers and men laid down their lives for the nation.
He said that the threat of terrorism remains due to cross-border activities. “Networks operating from Afghan soil continue to target Pakistan, but we are determined to eliminate them.”
The ISPR DG emphasized a united national effort to combat terrorism, saying: “The entire nation must stand with institutions to fight this scourge. A safe Pakistan is a strong Pakistan.”
He emphasized that the root causes of terrorism should be addressed. “Terrorism will end only when we ensure justice, education, health care and good governance,” he said, adding: “This requires the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. It will also need to be terminated.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry also discussed the issue of misinformation and described it as a growing challenge. “Pakistan faces billions of rupees worth of illegal spectrum, part of which fuels fake news,” he explained.
Indian aggression
Lt Gen Chaudhry emphasized the continued commitment of the army to enhance border security. “We have seen a clear reduction in unauthorized movement across our borders, which shows the effectiveness of our measures,” he said during the briefing.
Discussing regional tensions, Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan Army’s readiness to counter any aggression from India.
He said that the Pakistan Army is capable of giving a decisive response to any Indian hostility.
Highlighting the constant threat from the eastern border, Lt Gen Chaudhry said: “We are fully aware of the threats posed by India on our eastern front.”
He said that Indian forces have violated the ceasefire agreement 25 times this year which shows the volatile nature of the region.
Lt Gen Chaudhry condemned India’s repressive measures against freedom movements in their states. He said that the Indian forces are using brutal tactics to suppress the freedom movements.
Despite these challenges, he assured that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to national security and public welfare.
He also condemned India’s ongoing persecution in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
ISPR DG remarked that ‘India has made Occupied Kashmir a hotbed of violence and its flagrant violations of international laws are visible to the world’.
He expressed solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris, adding: “We stand firmly with the people of Occupied Kashmir and will continue to support them legally, diplomatically and morally.”
Additionally, Lt Gen Chaudhry accused the Indian government of targeting minorities including Sikhs within its borders and abroad. “India’s involvement in systematic genocide of minorities and killing of Sikhs exposes its agenda internationally,” he said, adding that such actions are part of a larger conspiracy.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also drew attention to India’s various tactics, including false flag operations, to divert attention from India’s internal problems.
“Our civilian and military leadership is fully aware of India’s strategies to divert attention from its problems,” he asserted.
Reiterating the Army’s stand, the ISPR DG said: “We will continue to defend our borders with unwavering determination and uphold the rights of the oppressed communities, especially in Occupied Kashmir.”
‘Unwavering support’ of Kashmiris
Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support to the people of Occupied Kashmir.
He said that our principled stand remains intact: We will continue to provide legal, diplomatic and moral support to the oppressed people of Occupied Kashmir.
The Army spokesperson stressed the Army’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, standing by their legitimate struggle for justice and the right to self-determination.
Discussing the role of the Army in public welfare, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the active engagement of the Pakistan Army in social and community development projects.
He said that “Pakistan Army is wholeheartedly involved in public welfare initiatives, which focus on improving the lives of people”.
DG ISPR also spoke about a strong training framework within the armed forces. “Training starts from the very first day of joining the Pakistan Army,” he explained, adding that various training programs are conducted continuously to ensure high standards of readiness and professionalism.
“Extensive exercises, both within the Army and in collaboration with allied nations, are a regular feature of our operations,” Lt Gen Chaudhry noted.
Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed on collective responsibility to effectively deal with national challenges.
“The need of the hour is that we all come together and play our part individually and collectively to contribute to the development and security of the country,” he remarked.
The spokesperson detailed the ongoing public welfare initiatives under the guidance of Army Chief General Asim Munir.
“Plans are being actively implemented for the betterment of the people,” he said. He shared notable developments including the launch of 6,500 education programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the construction of three dams in Balochistan, aimed at improving the quality of life in these regions.
National development
Highlighting the role of the Pakistan Army in national development, the army spokesman said several projects have been launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Balochistan. Mentioned public welfare projects.
“The Army actively participates in projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens,” he said. He said that these efforts show the commitment of the army for social and economic development across the country.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.