Rawalpindi: Director General Inter‑Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the court martial of former ISI chief Gen (R) Faiz Hameed is a strictly legal and judicial matter, urging the public and media to avoid speculation.
Speaking during a detailed briefing to senior journalists, the DG ISPR said that the legal process is underway and any decision will be communicated once proceedings conclude.
Pakistan’s Stance on Afghanistan
Responding to a question regarding airstrikes in Afghanistan, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said:
- “Whenever Pakistan conducts a strike, we publicly announce it.”
- “In October we carried out an operation inside Afghanistan and openly informed everyone.”
- “Pakistan does not target civilians. We act as a responsible state, and our actions are against terrorists, not Afghan citizens.”
He added that trade and terrorism cannot continue simultaneously:
“Blood and business cannot go together.”
Terrorism Threat & Border Security
The DG ISPR highlighted:
- Committees on counter‑terrorism are active, with military participation.
- Balochistan government is implementing the National Action Plan effectively.
- Security forces and Frontier Corps are strengthening border management.
He revealed alarming details:
- Certain Afghan officials have openly threatened attacks on Pakistan.
- The TTP is using U.S.-made weapons and armored vehicles, left behind in Afghanistan.
- In 29 terrorist incidents inside Pakistan, American weapons have been recovered.
“We do not differentiate between TTP and TTA,” he said.
Smuggling, Weapons Flow & Regional Security
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said:
- Terrorists buy weapons through drug money, making arms a full-scale business.
- The military has shown these U.S. weapons to American authorities.
- Smuggling from Iran has drastically decreased, with diesel smuggling reduced by Rs 20.2 billion.
Pakistan’s Counter-Terror Operations
Since January 2024:
- 67,000 operations conducted nationwide.
- 210 terrorists killed.
- 607 security personnel martyred.
- In November alone, 4,910 operations carried out.
Breakdown by province:
- KP: 1,387 operations
- Balochistan: 3,485 operations (highest)
- Punjab & KP also reported continuous intelligence‑based actions.
Martyrs in November included 57 personnel (22 from the Army).
Message to Afghan Authorities
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif emphasized that:
- Afghanistan must act as a responsible state.
- Pakistan has asked Afghan authorities how long they will continue calling themselves an “interim government.”
- Despite assurances that Afghan soil will not be used for attacks, the ground reality is different.
