(Abdul Basit Alvi)
The recent press conference by ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry outlined Pakistan’s strategic direction and national priorities, covering security, governance, economic stability, terrorism, and external interference. Lasting more than two hours in Rawalpindi, the briefing went beyond a routine security update by addressing sensitive national issues with operational data, charts, and presentations, emphasizing transparency and providing the military’s perspective on the country’s security environment and long-term plans. A key message was that good governance is indispensable for lasting security and that military action alone cannot eliminate terrorism without stronger administrative and institutional capacity. The DG ISPR described security and governance as interdependent, identified the National Action Plan (NAP) as the consensus framework for countering extremism, disrupting terror financing, and strengthening institutions, and suggested reviewing whether Pakistan’s four-province administrative structure adequately serves a population of around 240–250 million. He said any administrative changes should be decided by the political leadership through constitutional and legal processes reflecting the will of the people, while reaffirming the military’s security role and civilian authority over political and administrative reforms within the constitutional framework.
The DG ISPR also presented extensive data on counterterrorism operations, stating that security forces conducted 40,348 intelligence-based operations in 2026—nearly 200 daily—including over 31,000 in Balochistan. He reported 3,145 terrorism incidents nationwide, with 1,971 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,148 in Balochistan, and 26 elsewhere, resulting in 2,084 confirmed terrorists killed, an average of 10 per day that he described as the highest operational ratio in the country’s history. He added that 819 Pakistanis had lost their lives in the fight against terrorism, including 303 army personnel, 194 police and law enforcement officials, and 322 civilians, while noting that 28 suicide bombings occurred nationwide, most of which he alleged were carried out by Afghan nationals, underscoring the need for effective border management and regional cooperation. Clarifying the concept of a “hard state,” he said it does not mean military rule or authoritarianism but rather equal enforcement of the Constitution and rule of law, resolution of all matters through constitutional and legal mechanisms, equality before the law, stronger institutions, accountability, and protection of democratic rights and freedoms. Addressing Balochistan, he rejected claims that the security situation is worsening, alleged that some elite groups and tribal leaders have historically resisted social progress to preserve their influence, and said the state aims to empower ordinary citizens, address genuine grievances, and continue operations against militant groups. He outlined ongoing socio-economic initiatives, including investments worth billions of rupees, projects such as the Mangi Dam, Kachhi Canal, and Pakistan Expressway, completion of 52 dams under the 100 Dams Project, establishment of 16 educational institutions and two healthcare facilities each month, and support for shrimp farming and farmer loans under the Balochistan Green Initiative to create jobs, improve living standards, and address the underlying causes of insurgency.
The DG ISPR also addressed the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), making it clear that the state would not allow any unrest to derail the democratic and constitutional process. He stressed that political issues should be resolved through democratic and constitutional means, and that the state’s role is to ensure a peaceful environment where democratic institutions can function effectively. He stated that the state has acted with restraint in dealing with recent unrest and that the electoral process would continue without disruption, ensuring that the will of the people is expressed through the ballot box. He reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing and unwavering position on Kashmir, describing it as the unfinished agenda of the Partition of the Subcontinent and central to the country’s national policy. He firmly rejected any claims that the Pakistan Army is an occupying force in AJK, clarifying that security matters in the region are handled by the AJK government, its police, and civilian law enforcement agencies. This clarification was important to counter the false narratives that seek to undermine Pakistan’s moral and legal position on the Kashmir dispute.
A recurring and powerful theme throughout the press conference was the issue of external interference, with the DG ISPR pointing a clear finger at India. He alleged that after failing to achieve its objectives through direct confrontation, India has increasingly turned to proxy warfare. He claimed that over three hundred Indian websites are actively working to foment terrorism in Balochistan and that a staggering fifty-four percent of the propaganda against Pakistan originates from India. He described a sophisticated mechanism where terrorist incidents are rapidly followed by coordinated online campaigns involving militant organisations and Indian media platforms, designed to magnify fear and project an exaggerated image of instability. He accused India of funding and supporting terror proxies and using psychological warfare and digital propaganda in a desperate attempt to destabilize Pakistan from within. This external dimension, he argued, adds a layer of complexity to the internal security challenges, requiring a comprehensive national response that combines military vigilance with diplomatic and informational countermeasures.
Beyond the immediate security and political issues, the DG ISPR also discussed the critical link between terrorism and the country’s economy. He revealed that security forces have conducted operations against illegal economic activities that are harming Pakistan’s economy. He stated that smuggled goods worth billions of rupees and narcotics worth eighteen billion rupees have been seized during these operations. He emphasized that certain elements are frustrated by these actions because terrorist groups have strong links with smuggling networks, and a strong state cannot allow such illegal activities to continue. By targeting these economic crimes, the security forces are not only disrupting terrorist financing but are also protecting the legitimate economic interests of the country, contributing to overall economic stability and growth.
The DG ISPR’s press conference has been welcomed by the people of Pakistan who love the Pak Army, as it provided them with a comprehensive and transparent account of the challenges facing the nation and the sacrifices being made to overcome them. The people of Pakistan feel immense pride in the Pak Army, which is doing its absolute best to bring lasting peace and stability to the country. They see the DG ISPR’s briefing as a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and patriotic spirit of the armed forces, who are not only defending the borders but are also actively working to secure a prosperous future for the coming generations. The overwhelming positive response from the public reflects a deep-seated trust in the military’s ability to safeguard the national interest and a recognition of the heavy burden carried by the soldiers and officers who lay down their lives for the nation. The press conference has served as a unifying force, bringing the nation together around a shared understanding of the threats and a collective resolve to face them with courage and determination. It has reinforced the bond between the people and the military, reminding everyone that the fight for Pakistan’s future is a shared responsibility that requires unwavering support for the men and women in uniform who stand as the ultimate guarantors of the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
