By Junaid Qaiser
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s recent press conference was a detailed presentation of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism doctrine as it stands today—clear, data-backed, and informed by tough lessons learned at a high cost. Above all, it showcased a decisive and unified national stance: terrorism will no longer be handled through compromise, but confronted with unwavering resolve.
From the very beginning, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations made it clear that the briefing had one main purpose—to outline Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and explain why 2025 was labeled a “landmark and consequential year.” This framing was quite revealing. He argued that the state had finally found clarity, not just within its institutions but across society: terrorists are not misguided individuals or ideological rebels; they are enemies of the state with no religious, moral, or political legitimacy.
The data presented were stark and revealing. In 2025 alone, Pakistani law enforcement agencies conducted over 75,000 intelligence-based operations—an average of 206 per day. More than 5,300 terror incidents were recorded, the overwhelming majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Nearly 2,600 terrorists were killed, while 1,235 civilians and security personnel were martyred. These numbers were not presented to glorify force, but to underscore the scale of the threat and the intensity of the response.
One of the most consequential disclosures was the identification of Afghan nationals as perpetrators in all major high-impact terrorist attacks in Pakistan during 2025. According to the DG ISPR, Afghanistan has become a base of operations for a range of militant groups, including the TTP, with logistical support, training, and ideological direction flowing across the border. This, he argued, was not speculation but an intelligence-backed conclusion acknowledged increasingly at the international level, including by the United Nations.
The press conference took a deep dive into the roots of the recent surge in terrorism, linking it to events that unfolded after 2021, especially the Afghan Taliban’s failure to uphold their promises from the Doha Agreement. Instead of fostering inclusive governance and regional stability, Afghanistan has unfortunately turned into a hotspot for militant groups, foreign fighters, and a war economy that thrives on terrorism.
Equally noteworthy was the frank acknowledgment of Pakistan’s own missteps. The briefing pointed out that past political decisions—especially attempts to negotiate with and rehabilitate militants—had inadvertently created an environment where terrorism could flourish. The shift away from that approach, now backed by the updated National Action Plan and Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, is now central to the state’s counter-terrorism strategy. The message was clear: appeasement didn’t work, and it’s not going to happen again.
The DG ISPR also tackled some narratives that have muddied public understanding, such as claims of indiscriminate military actions or drone strikes against civilians. He made it clear that drones are used solely for surveillance, while terrorists have increasingly turned quadcopters into weapons, launching hundreds of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. The focus on minimizing collateral damage and safeguarding civilian lives was framed as both a moral duty and a strategic imperative.
Beyond just military operations, the press conference shed light on governance reforms under the revised NAP, particularly in Balochistan. Initiatives like district-level coordination committees, increased funding for development, empowering the police, and engaging communities were highlighted as vital steps in ensuring that counter-terrorism efforts go beyond the battlefield. The DG ISPR argued that these measures are crucial for breaking the link between terror and crime while rebuilding public trust in the state.
The briefing’s most politically sensitive topic was undoubtedly the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where terrorism is at its worst. The DG ISPR, without naming anyone specifically, pointed out that political support, a lack of commitment to repatriation policies, and resistance to law enforcement are all undermining security efforts. His rhetorical question—can any political agenda really take precedence over Pakistan’s sovereignty?—perfectly highlighted the ongoing conflict between politics and national security.
The press conference concluded with a clear message about the state’s future direction. Terrorism, no matter its label or origin, will be confronted with intelligence, technology, and force, all supported by a unified national narrative.
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