RAWALPINDI (Web Desk):
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has revealed that the Pakistan Army conducted 62,113 counterterrorism and intelligence-based operations in 2024, in which 582 soldiers embraced martyrdom and 1,667 terrorists were eliminated across the country.
Speaking informally with journalists, the DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its borders and people, adding that policy decisions are made independently by the government and parliament.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif clarified that the decision to send a peacekeeping mission to Gaza would be made solely by the Government of Pakistan and the Parliament. “The Pakistan Army has no role in policymaking regarding foreign deployments,” he added.
Counterterrorism Operations and Security Situation
The DG ISPR said that most of the operations were carried out in Balochistan as part of the ongoing campaign against militant networks. “During operations against the ‘Fitna-e-Khawarij,’ 1,667 terrorists were neutralized,” he said, noting that security forces remain committed to eliminating all terrorist and criminal groups operating in Pakistan.
He stated that terrorists are collecting taxes under the name of ‘Usher,’ adding that these groups are the main obstacle to stopping smuggling and organized crime in the country.
“The Pakistan Army does not want to be dragged into politics. It should be kept away from political affairs to preserve institutional neutrality,” the DG ISPR said.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions and Security Concerns
Regarding the recent border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said that 206 Afghan Taliban militants and 112 Khawarij terrorists were killed in recent clashes.
He revealed that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has pledged allegiance to the Emir of the Afghan Taliban and is functioning as a branch of the Taliban.
The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan remains clear:
“Our one-point agenda is that Afghan soil must not be used against Pakistan. Our response across the border has been swift and precise.”
He also highlighted that drug smugglers have begun to influence Afghan politics, while large-scale narcotics smuggling from Afghanistan into Pakistan continues to be a major challenge.
“If anyone’s sympathies lie with Afghanistan, they are free to go there,” he remarked.
India’s False-Flag Operation Warning
DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif warned that India is preparing another false-flag operation in the deep sea, possibly aimed at defaming Pakistan.
“India can act by land, sea, or air — but this time, Pakistan’s response will be stronger and more severe than ever before,” he warned.
Other Key Points from DG ISPR
- The decision regarding governor’s rule lies entirely with the Government of Pakistan, he clarified.
- Criminal and terrorist networks are the biggest hurdles in stopping smuggling and organized crime inside the country.
- The number of religious seminaries (madrasas) in Pakistan has increased from 48,000 in 2014 to over 100,000 today.
DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed that Pakistan’s military is a professional, apolitical, and highly capable force dedicated to protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Pakistan will defend its borders, its people, and its independence at all costs,” he concluded.
