Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has provided a detailed briefing on Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations and regional security threats emanating from Afghanistan. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that Pakistan’s operations strictly targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist strongholds in Afghanistan, while underscoring the broader regional challenges posed by extremist networks.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry stated that any country where terrorism reaches even five percent of the population cannot maintain stability. He highlighted that Afghanistan presents itself as a flagbearer of Islam, yet operates a war economy that fuels conflict and spreads terrorism across the region. “To sustain this war economy, Afghanistan continuously seeks new sponsors, and external financial and logistical support, including from India, is contributing to terrorism in the region,” he said.
The DG ISPR clarified Pakistan’s approach to cross-border operations: “Pakistan’s operations in Afghanistan were carefully focused on TTP terrorist hideouts, not the Afghan Taliban.” He contrasted this with actions attributed to India during Operation Sandor, which allegedly targeted civilians, including women and children, whereas Pakistan’s operations remain precise, intelligence-driven, and limited to terrorist objectives.
Citing past attacks orchestrated by terrorists, Lieutenant General Chaudhry recalled the Jaafar Express attack, which killed 21 innocent civilians, the bus attack in Nushki, and the APS-style assault on Cadet College Wana, highlighting the human cost of terrorism in Pakistan.
The DG ISPR emphasized that every terrorist attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan is neutralized, stressing that the fight against terrorism is not solely the responsibility of the military but a collective struggle of the state and its citizens. “This is the people’s war,” he said.
To substantiate Pakistan’s claims, the DG ISPR shared recordings of terrorist statements, explaining that arrested militants have acknowledged Afghan involvement in cross-border terrorism and confirmed that Afghan nationals are being trained in terrorist activities inside Afghanistan.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry concluded by reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to targeting terrorists, protecting civilians, and safeguarding regional stability, while urging the international community to recognize the threats posed by terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
