Former KP government obstructed counterterrorism efforts: ISPR

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has accused the former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of creating obstacles to counterterrorism operations, saying that facilitators who hindered efforts against militancy in the province are no longer present.

In an interview with a British news agency, the military spokesperson said security forces conduct around 200 intelligence-based operations every day across the country. These operations are carried out through coordinated efforts involving the police, armed forces and other law enforcement agencies.

He said Pakistan had developed a clear strategy to tackle terrorism and eliminate militant networks operating within the country. The strategy also includes targeting individuals and groups providing support to terrorists.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said terrorist leadership, training camps and bases used to plan attacks were present in Afghanistan. He stressed that some terrorism-related challenges also needed to be addressed internally.

He added that Pakistan had accumulated extensive experience in counterterrorism, saying its expertise in dealing with militancy was unmatched by that of any other country or military.

KP residents deserve lasting peace

The ISPR chief said people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had suffered the most from terrorism and continued to face serious challenges because of militant violence.

He described the Pashtun people as a community proud of its traditions and said residents of the province wanted peace and stability. He added that they had every right to demand a secure environment.

Referring to the role of the previous provincial government, he alleged that it had been among the facilitators of terrorism and had obstructed counterterrorism efforts.

He maintained that those creating hurdles in the fight against militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were no longer in a position to do so.

Military spokesperson comments on KP government change

Asked about the removal of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry described the matter as a political question that should be answered by politicians.

He said the military’s position was that the change in the provincial government had taken place in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures.

The military spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan had a clear counterterrorism framework, with the elimination of terrorists and their facilitators inside the country remaining a central part of its strategy.