Army Warns of Political-Criminal Nexus Behind Terrorism in KP

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Pakistan Army has alleged that a political and criminal nexus is operating behind terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), warning that the politicization of counterterrorism efforts has weakened national unity and undermined the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that politics and misleading narratives were being created around the repatriation of Afghans and counterterrorism operations, leading to confusion and weakening the fight against militancy.

“Were those who created new narratives in 2014 and 2021 wrong?” he asked, adding that failure to strengthen institutions and enforce justice allowed terrorism to persist in the province. “If every problem could be solved through talks, then there would be no wars or invasions,” he said, criticizing calls for negotiations with terrorists.

Failure to Enforce Justice

The DG ISPR questioned why terrorists had not been punished by KP’s judicial system, stressing that courts and institutions should have been strengthened years ago. He emphasized that incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan—formulated with political consensus—was a key reason for the recent resurgence of terrorism.

“The reason for the increase in terrorism is the non-implementation of the National Action Plan,” he said, adding that critical points were removed from the plan by the previous government.

Political Support for Terrorism

Lt Gen Chaudhry claimed that the terror network in Pakistan enjoyed local and political support. “Political parties themselves have acknowledged that for peace to prevail, the nexus between terrorism and crime must be dismantled,” he said.

He also accused India of using Afghan territory as a base to launch terrorist activities against Pakistan, further complicating the internal security situation.

Security Challenges in KP

The DG ISPR admitted that fewer security personnel had been deployed for counterterrorism operations in KP compared to requirements, affecting the overall security response. 

He lauded the sacrifices of the KP Police, saying, “We salute the courageous personnel of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police who have fought on the front lines against terrorism.”

He said recommendations to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had not been fully implemented, which weakened the province’s ability to combat emerging threats. “Today, we must ask ourselves—are we still standing by the same national narrative?” he asked.

Why Terrorism Concentrated in KP?

Lt Gen Chaudhry questioned why the majority of terrorist incidents occurred in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and not in Sindh or Punjab. 

“Why have 70 percent of terrorist incidents in the last three months taken place in KP?” he asked. “It is because there is no political-terror nexus in Sindh and Punjab.”

He warned that anyone attempting to politicize the sacrifices of the martyrs would face consequences. “If politics continues to take precedence, how will we ever rid ourselves of the scourge of terrorism?” he said.

Afghan Territory a Haven for Non-State Actors

When asked about the reported targeting of TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud in Afghanistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry declined to comment on operational specifics but emphasized that Afghanistan must prevent its territory from being used by non-state actors. “If it fails to do so, the facilitators of such elements should prepare for state action,” he warned.

He urged citizens to stand with the state against those facilitating terrorism and cautioned that the state would act decisively if facilitators did not hand over foreign militants.

Army’s Role in Politics

Lt Gen Chaudhry firmly stated that the Pakistan Army should not be dragged into politics. “If an individual believes his identity is greater than Pakistan, we do not accept this,” he said.

Addressing questions about former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, he confirmed that the retired officer was facing court martial proceedings and had been granted all legal rights, including the right to a civilian lawyer and cross-examination. “There is a clear legal process for any action within the Army,” he said, denying allegations of arbitrary decisions.

Pakistan’s Concerns Shared with Afghanistan

The DG ISPR reiterated that Pakistan had repeatedly shared evidence with Afghanistan regarding cross-border terrorism. “We have provided evidence and have always said that their soil must not be allowed to become a haven for non-state actors and terrorist groups,” he said.

Calling Afghanistan a “brotherly Islamic country,” he added, “But whatever we must do to protect Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty, we will do.”

Record Counterterrorism Operations

Highlighting operational achievements, Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that 917 terrorists had been killed in KP this year as of September 15 during 10,115 major operations. In 2024, security forces conducted 14,500 operations in the province, neutralizing 769 terrorists.

He said Pakistan lost 577 lives in 2024, including 272 Army personnel, 140 policemen, and 165 civilians. So far in 2025, 516 lives have been lost — 311 soldiers, 73 policemen, and 32 civilians.

“The Pakistani forces are determined to root out terrorism completely,” the DG ISPR declared. “With the courage and cooperation of the people, this scourge will be eliminated once and for all.”

Renewed Commitment to National Security

Concluding his remarks, Lt Gen Chaudhry reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security and to the resilient people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“We must continue this war with unity and determination,” he said. “The enthusiasm of the people of KP strengthens our resolve to ensure lasting peace and stability.”

He added that Pakistan’s armed forces, with the support of citizens, remain fully committed to eliminating terrorism and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.

State Must Not Become Safe Haven for Terrorists

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan, the DG ISPR said, “We have clearly stated that our country should not serve as a haven for terrorists.” He urged the Afghan government to ensure its territory is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, noting that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghans for decades out of humanitarian concern.

He also linked smuggling to terrorism, warning that unchecked smuggling could allow terrorists and explosives to cross borders. “Every major terrorist group has some branch or presence inside Afghanistan,” he said, adding that even countries like Saudi Arabia had urged the Afghan government to act.