10 Takeaways from DG ISPR’s Press Conference

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday delivered a strongly worded press conference, asserting that Pakistan’s security and sovereignty would not be sacrificed for political gains.

Here are ten major takeaways from his briefing:

1. Political–Criminal Nexus Behind Terrorism

The Pakistan Army has alleged that a political and criminal nexus is fueling terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), warning that political interference and misleading narratives have weakened national unity and disrupted counterterrorism efforts.

2. Politicization Undermined the National Action Plan

DG ISPR argued the incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP)—especially due to political disagreements—for the resurgence of terrorism, noting that critical components were removed by previous governments.

3. Weak Judicial Enforcement in KP

He questioned why terrorists were not punished under KP’s judicial system, emphasizing that failure to strengthen institutions and ensure justice allowed militancy to persist in the province.

4. KP Most Affected by Terrorism

Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that 70% of recent terrorist incidents occurred in KP, attributing this to local political-terror nexuses, unlike in Sindh or Punjab where such alliances do not exist.

5. Limited Counterterrorism Capacity

He acknowledged that KP lacks adequate security personnel and that recommendations to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) have not been fully implemented, undermining the province’s response capacity.

6. Afghanistan’s Role and Responsibility

DG ISPR reiterated that Afghanistan must prevent its soil from being used by non-state actors, warning that facilitators of cross-border terrorism would face consequences if they failed to act.

7. India’s Involvement via Afghan Territory

He accused India of using Afghan soil to orchestrate terrorist activities against Pakistan, thereby complicating the internal security landscape.

8. No Place for Politics in the Military

Responding to questions about internal military matters, he said the Army must not be dragged into politics, confirming that Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed faces court martial proceedings with full legal rights and due process.

9. Record Counterterrorism Operations

Lt Gen Chaudhry disclosed that in 2024 and 2025 combined, over 1,600 terrorists were neutralized in KP through more than 24,000 operations, with over 1,000 Pakistani lives lost in the fight against terrorism.

10. Call for National Unity and Civil Support

Concluding his remarks, he urged citizens to stand with the state against terrorism, stressing that unity, justice, and institutional strength are essential for lasting peace. The Army, he said, remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism and safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty.