Discusses tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and says Pakistan is taking effective measures against terrorism
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan Army’s commitment to the defense of the nation and warned that any external aggression would be met with a strong and decisive response.
During an interactive session with teachers and students of various universities in Abbottabad, Lt Gen Chaudhry discussed the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and the security situation in the country. He said Pakistan has taken effective measures against terrorism.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has been at the frontline of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign for two decades. When terrorist incidents increased again in 2021, security forces launched a strong and effective response, killing more Khawarij in recent months than in the previous nine years combined.
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A growing nexus between terrorism and crime has allowed lawlessness to flourish, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, key battlegrounds in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.
The state uses the term. Fitna al-Hindustan for Indian-backed terrorist groups operating in Balochistan, while Fitna al-Khawarij refers to militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Both regions have faced sustained terrorist attacks, leading to ongoing security operations against these groups.
On the other hand, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have increased dramatically following deadly cross-border clashes. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Afghan Taliban forces, allegedly backed by “Indian-sponsored elements”, launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border posts on the night of October 11-12.
In retaliation, Pakistani security forces carried out precision strikes, killing more than 200 Afghan fighters and destroying multiple Taliban outposts and terrorist camps. The clash left 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred. Islamabad accused Kabul of allowing its territory to be used for terrorism, while the Taliban administration denied the accusations and claimed it acted in self-defense.
Teachers and students paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the armed forces. Hazara University Vice-Chancellor Dr Ikramullah Khan called Pakistan’s army “a true symbol of love for the motherland”, saying the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its soldiers.
Participants noted that hostile elements try to mislead young people and stressed the need to provide them with accurate information.
The students said they were proud of institutions like the Pakistan Army that guide and support the youth. “Today we learned the truth about the false rumors being spread against the Pakistan Army on social media,” said a student.
Earlier this month, at a press conference in Peshawar, Lt Gen Chaudhry blamed weak governance and poor implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the recent rise in terrorism, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where “around 70 per cent of the country’s terrorist acts take place”.
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Lieutenant General Chaudhry reviewed the revised points of the 2021 NAP: they call for intolerance towards militancy, curbing terrorist financing and propaganda, building capacity for counterterrorism departments, regulating seminaries and criminal justice reforms.
Formulated after the attack on the Army Public School with consensus of all parties, the 14 points of the PAN, he said, are not being properly applied. “All parties agreed on this, but is it being implemented?” asked.
Without naming any political party, DG ISPR attributed the worsening security situation in KP to internal failures. “The provincial government has fallen into the nexus between terrorism and crime,” he said, citing narcotics smuggling and non-payment vehicle trading as factors enabling lawlessness.
“When the suggestion was made to seal the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, some in power opposed it to protect their criminal activities,” he added. “Terrorism exists today because we do not follow the National Action Plan.”
