![Comprehensive briefing by DG ISPR on counterterrorism achievements of Pakistan as well as it's Afghan policy, and national security in 2024 [Image via ISPR]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SAT-Web-Banners-25.webp)
In a comprehensive briefing today, Major General Ahmed Sharif, Director-General (DG) of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), addressed key national security matters, with a special focus on counterterrorism efforts by Pakistan in 2024, its ongoing battle against terrorism, and the country’s evolving relationship with Afghanistan.
Key Counterterrorism Achievements in 2024
In a year marked by significant security operations, the Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services have conducted 59,775 successful Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) to counter terrorism and violent extremism. These operations resulted in the elimination of 925 terrorists, including prominent members of Fitna Al Khawarij, a group responsible for widespread violence across the region. Additionally, 73 high-value targets were neutralized during these operations, including notorious militants like Mian Sayed (alias Qureshi), Mohsin Qadir, and Ataullah (alias Behran).
‘We are relentlessly pursuing the remnants of terrorism and their facilitators,’ said DG ISPR. “In 2024, Pakistan has witnessed the largest number of terrorists neutralized in the last five years, with an average of 179 operations being carried out daily. This includes operations by the military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement to eliminate terrorist networks and disrupt potential attacks,” he added.
The counterterrorism efforts have not come without sacrifice. The briefing revealed that 383 officers and soldiers embraced martyrdom in these operations, defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
Afghan Policy and Border Management
A significant portion of the briefing by DG ISPR focused on the ongoing security challenges along Pakistan’s western border with Afghanistan. DG ISPR emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan, acknowledging the country as a “brotherly Islamic nation.” However, he also strongly reiterated that Pakistan expects Afghanistan to manage its citizens and prevent its territory from being used for terrorism against Pakistan.
“Pakistan demands that Afghanistan should not prioritize Khawarij over Pakistan. If the groups responsible for innocent bloodshed, like Fitna Al-Khawarij, are supported across the border, it will not be tolerated,” DG ISPR asserted during the Q&A session.
The Pakistani military has consistently pointed out that evidence links terrorist activities in Pakistan to Afghan soil, particularly highlighting the role of Afghan-based terrorists in supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “We have made significant efforts to support peace in Afghanistan. We have hosted Afghan refugees for years,” said the DG. “However, despite these efforts, terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, especially the Fitna Al Khawarij continue to be a serious threat. Our stance remains clear: we will take all necessary measures to eliminate terrorist networks and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Regarding Afghanistan’s failure to curb terrorism emanating from its soil, the DG further added, “Pakistan has been in talks with Afghanistan for two years, urging them to prevent terrorism. Unilateral decisions from Afghanistan will not be accepted. The threat from TTP and other militant groups remains a priority for Pakistan, and we will continue to safeguard our citizens through all necessary means.”
DG ISPR also highlighted the ongoing direct and indirect talks with Afghanistan at various levels, involving not just Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also friendly countries in the region. These dialogues aim to address the growing security concerns, particularly the cross-border terrorism linked to groups like the TTP, to ensure Afghanistan’s territory is not used to launch attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan, while maintaining its stance on peace, made it clear that it would take all necessary actions to safeguard its citizens against these transnational security threats.
Also See: Pakistan’s TTP Challenge: Strikes, Talks, and Solutions
Tensions with India
The situation along Pakistan’s eastern border was also discussed, with DG ISPR addressing the continued provocations by India. “We are fully aware of the risks posed by India on the eastern front,” the DG stated. He highlighted the 25 ceasefire violations, 564 speculative fires, and 61 airspace violations that occurred in 2024. Pakistan’s military readiness to respond to any aggression on the Line of Control (LoC) was reaffirmed, with the DG asserting, “Pakistani forces are fully prepared to give a fitting response to any kind of Indian aggression.”
DG ISPR also denounced India’s continued state-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir, stating that Pakistan would continue to offer political, legal, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people. He accused the Indian government of being involved in extrajudicial killings, including the targeted killings of Indian-origin Sikhs.
“India’s state terrorism is being perpetrated not just within the region but globally, with extrajudicial killings of Indian nationals, including Sikhs, in foreign countries,” said the DG. “At the same time, minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, are being persecuted within India under a systematic plan of genocide.”
Efforts for National Development and Well-Being
The briefing also highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by the Pakistan Army in 2024, particularly in the areas of health, education, and infrastructure development. Over 6,500 outreach programs were launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), benefiting hundreds of thousands of people. Under the “Ilm Tolu Da Parah” initiative, more than 700,000 students were provided with educational support.
Health care initiatives were also emphasized, with over 113 medical camps set up to offer essential health services to communities in remote areas. Moreover, in a landmark achievement, 93 kilometers of the Sabzi-Hernai railway track was reopened after 17 years of closure, facilitating better transportation links in the region.
Additionally, 15,825 acres of land have been brought under cultivation as part of the Green Pakistan Initiative. The army’s involvement in these development projects underscores its role in not only defending the country but also promoting national prosperity and community well-being.
Challenges
Terrorism continues to thrive under the illegal spectrum worth 1 Arab PKR (1 billion), largely driven by political and economic gains. This illicit network enjoys political backing, which further complicates efforts to address the issue. While initiatives like the National Action Plan (NAP) and Azm-e-Istehkam aim to curb terrorism, their success is heavily reliant on building an elite consensus. In addition, socio-economic progress and addressing governance gaps, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, are essential for eradicating terrorism. Transparent governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people and addresses systemic inequalities is critical to preventing the growth of extremist ideologies. These gaps, left unaddressed, have created significant voids, which have been partially filled by the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs.
Governance and Security Concerns in Parachinar
The recurring violence and unrest in Parachinar were highlighted as emblematic of governance failures exacerbating local security issues. Historically marked by sectarian violence, Parachinar reflects a misaligned prioritization of governance that has allowed such vulnerabilities to persist. Misplaced governance structures have fueled dissatisfaction and created opportunities for extremist elements to exploit societal divides. The DG ISPR called for urgent attention to address these long-standing governance issues in Parachinar, emphasizing that sustainable peace in such areas can only be achieved through effective governance and equitable resource distribution.
The “November Conspiracy” and Political Terrorism
Referring to the events of November 2024, DG ISPR labeled the situation the “November Conspiracy,” describing it as a form of Political Terrorism. A statement by the Ministry of the Interior, issued on December 1st, clarified that the military was uninvolved in the political unrest. The military’s role was restricted to the red zone, which housed delegations from friendly countries at that time. The situation escalated due to the actions of armed guards of political leaders and pre-planned social media campaigns that worsened polarization across the country.
Furthermore, fake news and propaganda controlled by social media platforms that were being managed outside Pakistan, have been significant contributors to the growing division and negative politics in Pakistan. DG ISPR pointed out the stark contrast where international human rights organizations remain silent on atrocities in Gaza, Kashmir, Libya, Syria, and TTP’s actions, yet they amplify fake news campaigns against Pakistan.
The ISPR urged the nation to prioritize transparent governance in order to address the dual challenges of terrorism and political polarization, while also bridging existing governance gaps. The DG also called on international organizations to focus on genuine humanitarian issues, like those in Gaza and Kashmir, instead of falling prey to the disinformation campaigns targeting Pakistan.
Looking Ahead
With Pakistan facing multiple internal and external challenges, the government and security forces remain focused on combating terrorism, securing the country’s borders, and addressing domestic governance gaps. The briefing concluded with a call for transparent governance, addressing education, healthcare, and other public welfare areas, and uniting the nation to overcome the threats that lie ahead.
We will continue to defend the integrity of this nation, ensuring that the sacrifices of our martyrs are not in vain, the DG ISPR concluded, adding, “Remember, a secure Pakistan is a strong Pakistan,” reinforcing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional security and peace.
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