Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry says Pakistan conducts around 200 intelligence-based operations daily, with security forces targeting terrorist networks and their facilitators.
ISLAMABAD: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has accused the former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of facilitating terrorism, saying that its alleged lack of capacity and indifference created obstacles to counterterrorism efforts in the province.
In an interview with Reuters on October 30, 2026, the military spokesperson discussed Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and the country’s regional security concerns.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan had a clear strategy to eliminate terrorist networks operating inside the country, along with individuals and groups facilitating their activities.
He maintained that opposition to counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came from people allegedly connected with militant groups rather than the general population.
Pakistan Conducts Around 200 Intelligence-Based Operations Daily
The DG ISPR clarified that security forces were not conducting a large-scale military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Instead, intelligence-based operations were being carried out to target militant networks and prevent terrorist activities.
He revealed that security forces conduct approximately 200 intelligence-based operations every day across Pakistan.
These operations involve coordinated efforts by the Pakistan Army, police and other law enforcement agencies.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan’s internal security challenges could not be attributed entirely to Afghanistan. However, he described Afghanistan as a major base for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan, alleging that militant leadership, training facilities and launch platforms were operating there.
KP Residents Deserve Peace and Stability
The military spokesperson acknowledged the suffering experienced by people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because of prolonged terrorism.
He praised the courage, traditions and resilience of the province’s residents, particularly the Pashtun community.
He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had a legitimate demand for peace and stability and deserved a secure environment.
Addressing questions about the change of provincial government, he described the matter as a political issue that politicians were better positioned to answer. However, he maintained that the change had taken place in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures.
Terrorist Attacks Threaten Balochistan’s Development
Discussing the security situation in Balochistan, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry alleged that militant groups were deliberately targeting development projects and economic activities.
He said attacks had targeted mining operations, LPG transportation trucks, educational institutions and teachers.
He also highlighted threats against bridges and railway infrastructure, saying such attacks were intended to disrupt economic activity and prevent local communities from accessing employment opportunities.
The DG ISPR further alleged that sections of Balochistan’s influential elite were working alongside militant groups to maintain poverty, illiteracy and economic deprivation in the province.
He argued that attacks on development projects were affecting opportunities for ordinary residents and creating further obstacles to regional progress.
The interview highlighted Pakistan’s military position on counterterrorism, intelligence-led security operations and the connection between regional stability and economic development.
