Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, on Tuesday accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of creating a politically permissive environment for terrorism at a time when national unity and clarity are imperative for the country’s security.
Addressing a press briefing, DG ISPR said it had become increasingly clear where the KP government stands in the war against terrorism, warning that political ambiguity and conflicting narratives were undermining collective national efforts against extremist violence.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry criticized the KP leadership for what they described as a “false narrative” on counterterrorism, particularly statements in which the provincial government sought security assurances and cooperation from Afghanistan. “What kind of policy is this that you seek security guarantees from Kabul,” an official asked, questioning the logic of appealing to a country from where terrorist sanctuaries are repeatedly traced.
He stressed that all solutions to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security challenges lie within the constitutional authority of the government itself, not across the border. They noted that Pakistan has already engaged the Afghan Taliban repeatedly between 2021 and 2025, but meaningful action against terrorist sanctuaries has not followed.
The briefing stated that terrorist groups operating under the banner of Fitna al-Khawarij maintain their centers in Afghanistan and questioned why such groups have never targeted PTI leadership. “This raises serious questions about political positioning and intent,” he said.
Rejecting allegations that the military is fighting for minerals or dollars, officials said such claims were misleading and dangerous. “Did the army go to extract minerals with shovels,” DG ISPR remarked, adding that terrorism is financed through external funding, including illicit financial arrangements and foreign sponsorships.
He emphasized that the Pakistan Army is a federal force and operates under constitutional and legal obligations to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country. “No province can be handed over to terrorists under the guise of political accommodation or facilitation,” DG said.
They also rejected claims that operations are not taking place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that counterterrorism operations are ongoing and terrorists are being neutralized. “If operations are opposed, then what is the alternative,” Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry asked. “To sit at their feet, pledge allegiance, or hand over governance to terrorists.”
Highlighting the broader political consensus, DG ISPR said parties including the Awami National Party, JUI-F, Pakistan People’s Party, and Pakistan Muslim League-N have all stood firmly against terrorism, despite their leaderships having faced direct attacks in the past.
The briefing further noted that while Afghan refugee camps have been cleared in Punjab and Balochistan, several camps remain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, posing continued security challenges. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry revealed that terrorist elements have carried out at least 410 quadcopter attacks in the province alone.
Reaffirming the state’s position, he said the fight against terrorism is a war for Pakistan’s survival. “This is Pakistan’s war, a war for sovereignty and integrity,” DG ISPR said, adding that the constitution places national security above all other considerations.
He reiterated that dialogue will only be held with the government of the day, not with political parties, and stressed that the state would not negotiate with terrorists. Citing the Field Marshal’s clear stance since 2023, DG ISPR said Khwarij have been identified as such and must be confronted without compromise.
The briefing concluded with a firm declaration that the state remains resolute in eliminating terrorism, denying extremist groups any space, and strengthening Pakistan through unity, clarity, and decisive action.
