DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry has emphasized that the army is committed to its accountability system. The law will take its own course if any member of the Pakistan Army is found to be working for personal gain or promoting a specific agenda, he stated.
His comments came during a press briefing at Rawalpindi, where he discussed the recent arrest of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid. The retired general is under investigation for alleged land grabbing and taking valuables from the owner of a private housing society.
“A petition was filed against General (retd) Faiz in the Top City case, and a high-level court inquiry was ordered in April 2024,” said Lt Gen Chaudhry. He assured that the military has no political agenda and serves as a national army, strictly adhering to self-accountability processes.
“The Pakistan Army neither supports nor opposes any political party,” he noted, reiterating that there will be no compromise on national security. He added that the army’s accountability system is comprehensive and transparent, relying on solid evidence rather than mere allegations.
Counter-Terrorism Operations Across Pakistan
Speaking on the security situation, DG ISPR revealed that security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) conducted 32,173 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the country in the first eight months of this year. Of these, 4,021 operations took place in the past month alone.
“In the last 30 days, at least 90 terrorists were neutralized,” he said, adding that the army and LEAs have cleared 46,000 square kilometers of land from terrorist control. “There is no area in Pakistan where terrorists are active,” he assured.
Lt Gen Chaudhry underscored the ongoing anti-terrorism efforts, noting that about 130 IBOs are conducted daily by the Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies, police, and LEAs. He also highlighted the sacrifices of 193 officers and soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the last eight months while defending the country.
Addressing Unrest in Balochistan
Commenting on recent unrest in Balochistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry referred to militant attacks that occurred between August 25 and 26. “We understand there is a sense of deprivation in Balochistan,” he acknowledged, but stressed that those carrying out acts of terrorism have nothing to do with Islam or the province.
He sent a clear message to the militants and their supporters, stating that they would be dealt with firmly. He ruled out the existence of any no-go areas in the country, emphasizing that the war against terrorism is being fought with an integrated strategy.
“There is no place where terrorists remain active,” he reiterated. The DG ISPR also called for the strengthening of the country’s criminal justice system.
Relations with Afghanistan
Addressing the spike in terror incidents since the Taliban took power in Kabul, Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that those trying to create discord between Pakistan and Afghanistan are “living in an imaginary world.” He emphasized the brotherly relations between the two nations and dismissed any misconceptions about the Pakistan Army’s stance.
Lt Gen Chaudhry’s comments reflect the Pakistan Army’s ongoing commitment to national security, transparency, and accountability, reinforcing its stance against both internal and external threats.
