From Our Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD: The Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry highlighted the reopening of the 93 km Sibi-Harnai railway track in Balochistan after 17 years, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity. He emphasized the Pakistan Army’s efforts in completing this long-awaited project as part of its commitment to development in the province.
Addressing a press conference, Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also mentioned the completion of the first phase of the Kachhi Canal project, which will irrigate 65,000 acres of land, enhancing agricultural productivity in Balochistan.
On security, he shared that 59,775 intelligence-based operations were conducted nationwide, including in Balochistan, resulting in the elimination of 925 terrorists and the integration of 14 wanted terrorists into the national stream. Tragically, 383 officers and soldiers were martyred during these operations.
In addition to security, the DG ISPR detailed progress in border management, including the repatriation of 815,000 illegal Afghan immigrants since September 2023 and the clearance of 72% of landmines in tribal districts.
Islamabad has consistently voiced concerns that the TTP uses Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan, asking the Afghanistan government to rein in the group. Kabul denies the allegations. Owing to the issue, Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have lately turned tumultuous, marked by frequent border skirmishes.
This was the fifth media briefing by the ISPR spokesperson this year.
During the press conference, which was held in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR addressed a range of issues, including counterterrorism efforts, Pakistan’s grievances with Afghanistan regarding the handling of the TTP, ceasefire violations by India, and the May 9 riots, among other matters of national importance.
“All evidence related to terrorism can be traced back to the safe havens enjoyed by terrorists in Afghanistan,” Gen Chaudhry said.
“The army chief has a clear and straight-forward stance on this: that Pakistan has reservations on banned organisations sanctuaries, support, and unrestrained activities on Afghan territory,” he asserted.
“Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to eliminate the terrorist networks and keep our citizens safe.”
Concluding, Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s dedication to ensuring peace, security, and development across Pakistan, with a strong focus on uplifting Balochistan.
