ISLAMABAD: There would be no interruption in the construction of the Pakistan-Afghan border fence, according to Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar, director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During his first news conference of 2022, which coincided with Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination Day (5th January), Maj. Gen. Iftikhar delivered these remarks in Rawalpindi. During an extensive media briefing, he addressed a wide range of security and regional problems, including the fencing of the Pakistani-Afghan border.
DG ISPR stated that the border barrier was being constructed to ensure the safety of citizens on both sides of the border and to control trade. Regulating security, border crossings, and trade are all made possible by the Pakistan-Afghan border barrier. This is not to propagate discord among the people, but to safeguard them.
He also stated that the Western border security situation will be “difficult” in 2021. As per him, “there are certain special regional, operational, as well as strategic factors that must be dealt with appropriately” when it comes to managing the Pak-Afghan border’s western border.
The DG ISPR stated that 94% of the Pakistan-Afghan border fencing has been built, adding that the Pakistan Army is entirely focused. Under the Western border managing administration, the work that is in progress will be completed in some time.
He also added that there will be an improvement in the border management system as time goes forward. Our martyrs’ blood was shed to build this fence. It is a fence to sustain peace, after all. It will be finished and stay put [in place] until the job is done.
The Frontier Corps in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also strengthened in 2021 with 67 new wings to maximise border security. He went on to say that plans had already been put in motion to create six more wing locations.
As he responded to recent occurrences of damage to the border barrier, DG ISPR reasserted that western border management had “local and strategic dynamics.” He stated that there are “one or two localised concerns” in Afghanistan.
He said that we have an excellent relationship with Afghanistan. We have a lot of similar issues and can also discuss different issues that emerge. But fences are already in place and will continue to be there.
“No Deal with Nawaz Sharif”
When asked about speculation regarding a deal with Nawaz, the DG ISPR responded that such rumours are “baseless.” He stated, “I will only say that all of this is unfounded conjecture.” He asserted, “Such a thing does not exist.”
The DG of ISP urged journalists to interrogate people who were speculating about a deal. As far as he is concerned, these are just baseless rumours without evidence.
When asked about civil-military ties, he said that there were “no issues” when questioned afterwards.
The armed forces are a subservient part of the government and follow its orders. “There’s nothing else to it,” he said.
On the subject of “establishment” politics, he called on the media to keep it out. He urged them to keep the army out of politics. There are more important matters to debate in our country, such as health and education.
With TTP, there is no ceasefire
Additionally, DG ISPR spoke about Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) negotiations, saying that they were “on pause” but that “operations” continued.
Dec. 9 marked the end of the TTP’s truce. “The current Afghan administration requested the truce to develop trust before holding discussions with these dangerous non-state entities.” The interim Afghan government promised they would bring the TTP to the discussion table and force them to accept Pakistan’s demands if they did not stop using their land against us. However, external conditions remained unsettled.
“The TTP does not exist in a vacuum. They are facing internal issues as well. So far, we have had no success in negotiating a truce because of various non-negotiable issues on our side. But we are putting in our best efforts and will continue to do so until we eliminate this threat. He said, “That’s the way it works.”
Propaganda Attacks on Authorities will not Work
There was also talk of a “campaign” against national institutions. DG ISPR discussed that it was conceived to “destroy people’s faith” and create a “gulf” between the public and institutions.
“We are aware of these initiatives and their different connections,” he stated. People who try to undermine the country’s institutions through lies, misinformation, and false propaganda “have failed and will continue to fail.”
A reporter also asked if they would give Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa another extension in 2022. DG ISPR clearly warned that such “baseless charges” should be avoided.
Occupied Kashmir
First, he reminded the media of the atrocities committed by Indian soldiers in occupied Kashmir, as well as the “propaganda” operations carried out by the Indian media.
DG ISPR said that the “greatest advantage” of the ceasefire deal agreed with India in February 2020 was that it enhanced the lives of villagers living in the area, adding that the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) at present remains peaceful.
At the same time, Indian military officials and their fake propaganda show a particular goal of removing public attention from Indian crimes in occupied Kashmir at the same time. As per DG ISPR, an arms race will ensue because of India’s military purchases.
He said that Pakistan refutes Indian accusations of Pakistani infiltration. He claimed India was carrying out false propaganda concerning infiltration along the Line of Control.
The Pakistan Army was falsely accused of killing an innocent Kashmiri “when they (the Indian Army) conducted a fake encounter in the Neelum Valley”. A terrorist called Shabbir was featured in Indian media coverage of this attack. DG ISPR reported that he is still alive and living in Sharda, Kashmir and that India has killed many Kashmiris. India aims to externalise the indigenous independence fight of the Kashmiris. He continued, “The people’s struggle is being suppressed, and voices are rising against Indian atrocities.”
In 1989, the United Nations proposed Kashmir’s people’s self-determination. To this day, that promise has not been fulfilled. DG ISPR said that on this special day, we want to pay tribute to the courage of the people of Kashmir.
Evaluation of the Military’s Performance in 2021
Maj. General Babar praised the military’s work in 2021, calling it “excellent.”
He said that over 60,000 actions based on intelligence were carried out as part of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, which was aimed at dismantling terrorist networks.
According to the official, there were 890 threats issued in 2021, and 70% of them were prevented. Their masterminds and proxies were exposed.
Over 70,000 mines were deactivated and removed from tribal territories, saving countless lives. During this time, numerous officials were hurt or killed.
DG ISPR reported that 248 soldiers were killed in 2021. They and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Their sacrifices were instrumental in bringing about peace.
Terrorists were targeted as part of the National Action Plan (NAP). The National Action Plan (NAP) has been effective in combating extremism. In addition, the ulema and the media have played a great role.
Attempts to destroy the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have also failed, according to him, and he added that the army was providing security for all construction projects. “Our freedom will be 75 years old in 2022,” the military officer said. “There are many obstacles we must overcome if we want to see the country develop more.”
National Security Policy
Maj Gen Iftikhar did not comment on the formulation of the implementation framework for Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy, which was adopted last month. It underlines the national interests and priorities.
As for his comments on the new policy’s development process, he remarked that “institutional feedback” had been provided.
