Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated on Monday that, regrettably, even critical matters are being politicized in Pakistan, citing Azm-e-Istehkam as an example.
During a press conference in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR clarified that Azm-e-Istehkam is a comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism campaign, not a military operation as some have portrayed.
He recounted a June 22 meeting of the Apex Committee—the nation’s top security body—where it was confirmed that Azm-e-Istehkam was developed with national consensus on anti-terrorism policy. The DG ISPR addressed concerns about the campaign, emphasizing that there are no no-go areas in the country and that Azm-e-Istehkam would not lead to further displacements.
He noted that amid the controversy surrounding the campaign, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement on June 24 to clarify its nature. The DG ISPR questioned why Azm-e-Istehkam was being politicized and highlighted that certain political and illegal factions are attempting to undermine the campaign’s objectives.
Providing updates on current operations, he stated that the army conducts four to five operations per hour daily, with over 22,409 intelligence-based operations conducted this year. He added that more than 112 operations are performed daily by the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement bodies. So far, 31 high-value targets have been eliminated, and 137 officers and soldiers have sacrificed their lives.
Lt Gen Chaudhry explained that while the army is clearing areas of terrorists, it is up to the provincial governments to ensure reconstruction and transfer of these areas to prevent the resurgence of terrorism. Without proper reconstruction, the cycle of “clear and hold” would continue, making it easier for certain elements to incite locals against the army and spread false narratives.
Regarding the recent events in Bannu, he detailed that on July 15, eight military personnel were martyred in an attack, with Sepoy Saqib sacrificing himself to save others. The following day, a peace march was held in Bannu, during which some armed individuals participated, leading to the breaking of an under-construction wall and looting of a supply depot. This resulted in casualties when the armed individuals opened fire.
The DG ISPR explained that during such incidents, the army follows its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which involve giving warnings before taking action. He stressed that controlling mobs is the responsibility of the provincial government, but peaceful demonstrations are permissible. He concluded by showing footage from Bannu and urging that demonstrations be directed against terrorists rather than the army.
He noted that immediately after the incident, there was a loud outcry on social media, highlighting how digital terrorists are supporting ground-level terrorists.
Regarding the audio leak involving TTP Chief Noor Wali Mehsud, Pakistani authorities are actively addressing the situation. The government plans to seek the extradition of terrorists from Afghanistan and lodge a formal protest with the Afghan Taliban-led administration due to Mehsud’s presence and involvement in attacks within Pakistan.
The leaked phone call, featuring Mehsud and local commanders Ahmad Hussain Mehsud alias Ghat Haji and Saqib Gandapur, reveals Mehsud instructing his associates on methods to escalate violence in Pakistan. In the conversation, Mehsud is heard giving orders to target hospitals and schools, though he does not explicitly name himself in the call.
Lt Gen commented that Mehsud’s group lacks the courage to take responsibility for their actions.
Regarding the recent Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in, officials clarified that the government and institutions are addressing the situation with sensitivity due to its connection to the Palestinian issue. They dismissed suggestions of military involvement in the protest, noting that similar claims would arise if any other group, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, held a sit-in.
The military spokesperson emphasized the clear stance of both the army and government on the Palestinian crisis, condemning the ongoing genocide in Gaza. They highlighted their support by providing 1,118 tonnes of aid to Gaza and vowed continued assistance. As of the latest report, the Gaza health ministry stated that 39,006 Palestinians have been killed and 89,818 injured since the Israeli military offensive began on October 7.
