Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), shared key insights on Pakistan’s security landscape in a detailed discussion with senior journalists.
He highlighted the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism and the complex challenges of border management, particularly along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier.
According to DG ISPR, Pakistan’s security forces have carried out a total of 67,023 intelligence-based operations this year alone, resulting in the elimination of 1,873 terrorists, including 136 Afghan nationals. Since the start of counterterrorism efforts, 4,910 intelligence-based operations have targeted terrorist networks, successfully neutralizing 206 high-profile militants.
Breaking it down regionally, 12,857 operations were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while 53,309 operations took place in Balochistan. DG ISPR emphasized that these operations are part of a broader, coordinated approach to combat terrorism across the country.
On border security, he pointed out that misleading propaganda has been spread regarding Pakistan’s efforts. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border spans 1,229 kilometers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, featuring 20 official crossing points. Some border posts are 20-25 kilometers apart, making surveillance and effective fencing a complex task. He stressed that a border fence alone is insufficient without observation posts, drones, and additional resources.
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Highlighting cross-border terrorism, DG ISPR accused Afghan Taliban forces of facilitating terrorist movement into Pakistan. He clarified that Pakistan’s concern is with the Afghan Taliban regime, not Afghan citizens, and insisted that Taliban authorities must ensure terrorist-free zones under verifiable mechanisms. Pakistan has repeatedly presented evidence of terrorist support originating from Afghan soil, including funding and weapons supplied to groups targeting Pakistan.
On the matter of illegal trade, he noted that non-custom-paid vehicles and smuggling networks directly fuel terrorism inside Pakistan. Operations under the National Action Plan have dramatically reduced Iranian diesel smuggling in Balochistan from 20.5 million liters daily to 2.7 million liters, cutting off key funding channels for terrorist groups like BLA and BYC.
DG ISPR also criticized India’s military propaganda, describing recent Indian statements about “Operation Sandur” as exaggerated and misleading. He warned that foreign-backed narratives, often spread through social media, aim to destabilize Pakistan and its institutions.
Pakistan has prioritized border security and counterterrorism measures, emphasizing coordinated efforts with provincial governments and local communities. The repatriation of Afghan refugees continues under humane procedures, with over 971,604 individuals returned safely in 2025, including 239,574 in November alone.
In conclusion, DG ISPR affirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance: “Good or bad, terrorists are eliminated, and security remains our top priority.” He underscored the nation’s commitment to peace and the necessity of strong border management, coordinated intelligence operations, and community engagement to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
