Rawalpindi: Addressing a press conference, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, highlighted significant successes in Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism. He stated that 2024 saw the highest number of terrorists eliminated in the last five years, with 925 militants neutralized, including several key leaders of extremist groups. Security forces also confiscated a significant cache of weapons during operations and conducted over 169 operations daily.
DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan has paid a high price in the fight against terrorism, with 383 officers and soldiers embracing martyrdom this year. He disclosed that 14 wanted terrorists surrendered, while two suicide bombers were captured, and 27 Afghan militants were neutralized. The DG ISPR revealed alarming revelations from captured suicide bombers, highlighting the involvement of Afghan-based networks in terror activities targeting Pakistan.
Regarding regional threats, General Chaudhry criticized Afghanistan for failing to curb cross-border terrorism. He stressed that Pakistan has always sought peace in Afghanistan, yet terrorist networks based there continue to target Pakistan. He called for collaborative efforts through friendly nations to address this issue while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to dismantling such networks.
The DG ISPR also addressed tensions with India, condemning its atrocities in occupied Kashmir and its violations of international law. He assured that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression from India and criticized India’s actions, including its oppression of minorities and involvement in overseas incidents like the killing of Sikhs.
DG ISPR underscored the army’s commitment to national welfare, citing projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Balochistan. These include education initiatives, dam construction, and various social welfare programs. He stressed that collective action, governance, and justice are key to eradicating terrorism and securing a prosperous Pakistan.
Highlighting internal challenges, he condemned the dissemination of fake news and misinformation, particularly regarding the events of May 9, which he described as a case for the Pakistani people rather than just the armed forces. He stressed the importance of combating illegal activities, including smuggling and unlawful border crossings, while noting the deportation of over 800,000 undocumented Afghan residents.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry reaffirmed the armed forces’ neutrality in political matters, urging political leaders to prioritize national interests over individual agendas. He concluded with a message of unity and resilience, calling for collective efforts to create a secure and prosperous Pakistan, emphasizing that “a secure Pakistan is a strong Pakistan.”
