Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry underscored the critical role of good governance in ensuring Pakistan’s security during a press conference on counterterrorism and security matters on Friday. He stressed that unresolved issues indicate a pressing need for improvements in governance.
Lt Gen Chaudhry asserted that without effective governance, the country’s challenges cannot be adequately addressed. When questioned about Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks on the collapse of the current governance system, the ISPR chief refrained from commenting directly, describing those views as the minister’s personal opinion. Naqvi had called for administrative reforms, including the formation of new administrative units, stating that the existing system was incapable of resolving the nation’s problems.
The ISPR DG highlighted the National Action Plan, emphasizing that all political parties are aligned on its 14 points. He encouraged politicians to focus on raising public awareness rather than causing confusion. He also emphasized that police and security forces require public support to succeed in combating terrorism and smuggling networks.
Lt Gen Chaudhry, the country’s issues should be resolved within the framework of the Constitution, with public opinion playing a vital role. He noted that citizen satisfaction with governance is a positive indicator, but if dissatisfaction exists, changes should be pursued constitutionally. He added that if an administrative overhaul is necessary for better governance, it should be implemented, and efforts to improve governance are already underway.
The ISPR chief firmly rejected any negotiations with terrorists and dismissed perceptions of a deteriorating security situation in Balochistan. He criticized certain elite and tribal leaders in the province for hindering the progress of children from impoverished families. He stressed that the military will engage with the people of Balochistan, not with militants or obstructive figures.
Lt Gen Chaudhry clarified that Pakistan is not a ‘hard state’ in the sense that the Constitution and laws are not applied equally to all citizens. He explained that a hard state implies equality before the law, not military dominance over civilian affairs. He also condemned ongoing negative propaganda campaigns targeting the state, especially regarding Balochistan’s situation.
Addressing the issue of missing persons, the military spokesperson revealed that the commission established to investigate such cases has received 201 applications. He questioned the accuracy of some lists, pointing out that individuals killed during counterterrorism operations were sometimes listed as missing, and that some militants were also included.
Discussing Balochistan’s security challenges, Lt Gen Chaudhry noted the province’s difficult terrain and vast distances between security posts. He identified various groups involved in destabilizing activities such as terrorism, robbery, drug trafficking, and diesel smuggling. He reaffirmed that the people of Balochistan are the province’s true stakeholders and praised security forces for ongoing operations targeting militants.
The ISPR chief reiterated that no further talks with terrorists would take place, stating unequivocally, “Either you surrender, or we will fight you.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry began his briefing by outlining counterterrorism operations conducted so far this year. Security forces have carried out 40,348 operations, resulting in the elimination of 2,084 confirmed terrorists—averaging ten militant deaths daily. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, 1,971 operations were conducted. The toll of martyrs this year includes 819 individuals, comprising 303 army personnel, 194 law enforcement officials, and 322 civilians.
He also reported 28 suicide attacks across the country, attributing recent assaults in KP’s Tank and Karachi to Afghan nationals. On the missing persons issue, the DG ISPR noted inconsistent figures ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 but confirmed that the commission has received 2,900 applications from Balochistan, with identities established for 2,700 individuals.
Highlighting security incidents in Balochistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry mentioned 105 attacks targeting police and Levies personnel, 178 martyrs, 55 abductions, and the destruction of 24 bridges. He paid tribute to the police for their bravery, recalling a notable attack in Kachhi on October 27 last year, where officers held their ground and repelled militants. He also referenced a major terrorist attack on a police station in Dhadar on April 24, noting that such events are often followed by coordinated propaganda campaigns.
The ISPR chief condemned the role of Indian media and over 300 websites in spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda. He exposed hostile networks using online honey-trapping, abductions, and blackmail to target young women. Furthermore, Lt Gen Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, describing it as an inseparable part of the country and the unfinished agenda of the 1947 Partition. He insisted that the future of Kashmir should be decided by its people through a free and fair process, criticizing India’s oppressive security policies in the region, where nearly one million security personnel are deployed.
