Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has made it clear that the Pakistan Army has no interest in targeting innocent civilians under the guise of counterterrorism. Addressing students during an ISPR-organized internship program, the DG ISPR emphasized that the fight against terrorism in Balochistan is being carried out with wisdom, responsibility, and the support of the people.
Rejecting the narrative that alienates Baloch youth from Pakistan, the DG ISPR said, “The people of Balochistan understand their bond with Pakistan very well. They are not against the state – rather, they are themselves resisting terrorists who have destroyed peace in the province.”
Highlighting the sacrifices of officers and soldiers, he paid tribute to the late Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, who embraced martyrdom after previously thwarting terrorists in the Gwadar PC Hotel attack. “Every day, our officers, soldiers, and civilians are laying down their lives to keep Pakistan free and safe,” he added.
He stressed that counterterrorism operations are intelligence-based and only succeed when locals themselves stand up against terrorists. “A single terrorist’s actions cannot justify punishing an entire village. The real success lies when the community itself exposes and rejects these criminals,” he said.
Pointing out that Balochistan’s youth are excelling in every field, he cited examples of brilliant students and officers from the province who are shaping their destiny through education and service. “From Cambridge scholars like Samad Yar to district commissioners and officers, the people of Balochistan are proving that knowledge, not terror, is the future,” he noted.
DG ISPR firmly warned that while the Army will never harm innocent people, anyone who shelters terrorists or hides explosives in their homes will face the consequences. He urged national unity, reminding that Pakistan was founded on the principle of equality, beyond race, color, or ethnicity.
“Balochistan’s people are wise, resilient, and tired of terrorism. Together, we will defeat this menace and secure a peaceful future,”
