RAWALPINDI – Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that terrorism statistics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clearly indicated the flourishing nexus of political terror in the region.
The DG ISPR described terrorists as “Fitna-tul-Hindustan”, pointing out that they have no connection with Islam or Pakistan.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized that the war against terrorism is a struggle for the entire nation and that the state remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism.
He was addressing a press conference on Tuesday.
DG Sharif said the fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of a single institution but a national effort that required active cooperation between security agencies and the public. He added that the security forces achieved significant successes last year and conducted effective operations across various parts of the country. He stated that counter-terrorism measures in 2025 cannot be linked to a specific date, as they represent an ongoing, continuous effort.
He further stated that terrorists are Khawarij with no association to Islam and referred to them as Fitna-e-Hindustan, having no connection to Pakistan or Balochistan.
“These elements are operating on foreign agendas. The world has recognized Pakistan’s stance and narrative against terrorism, which is an important diplomatic and moral achievement for the country,” he said. He also highlighted that there is broad consensus on the National Action Plan, though implementation can still be improved.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif provided statistics from last year, reporting that a total of 75,175 intelligence-based operations were conducted, resulting in the elimination of 5,397 terrorists. He acknowledged the sacrifices made in this long and difficult war against terrorism, noting that 1,235 security personnel and civilians were martyred last year.
He added that the war against terrorism is a collective national struggle, requiring sustained efforts by both the state and the people.
The DG also said that political parties and security forces share a single, unified narrative in the war against terrorism, adding that no one can divert Pakistan from its firm stance against terrorism.
He said that the message of Paigham-e-Pakistan was reaffirmed this year, providing clarity not only to religious scholars and clerics but also regarding the nexus between India and Fitna al-Khawarij. He stressed that the narrative against terrorism is shared across the political spectrum and security institutions and remains unshakeable.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said that the collusion between Afghan Taliban, Khawarij elements, and India became openly visible in 2025, while further subtle operational patterns have also emerged.
Referring to remarks made on Indian television, he said certain individuals openly discussed a joint attack on Pakistan involving India and Afghanistan, adding that such statements expose hostile intentions.
He questioned the silence of the so-called Taliban foreign minister during clashes with terrorists and said their ideology promotes submission to India. He maintained that Afghanistan currently lacks a legitimate government and is instead controlled by a small group.
The DG ISPR reiterated that Pakistan has long maintained that Afghanistan has become a hub of terrorism, a position now increasingly acknowledged by the international community. He said countries including Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have also reported terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil. Citing a United Nations report, he said at least 20 international terrorist organizations are active in Afghanistan.
He further said that while the entire nation and security forces are making sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, statements opposing counterterrorism operations raise serious concerns. He questioned whether such positions aim to recreate conditions similar to Swat, where thousands of innocent lives were lost to terrorism in the past.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said the narratives of such elements have now been fully exposed, describing them as politically hollow and aligned with Fitna al-Khawarij.
Criticising remarks by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, the DG ISPR said it was absurd to suggest that Afghanistan should guarantee Pakistan’s security or assist in counterterrorism efforts. He added that rejecting military operations leaves only one option—submission before Khawarij elements—an approach he described as dangerous and unacceptable. He emphasized upon unity in fight against terrorism, reaffirming that they would continue to fight against this menance, and no one could dare to stop them.
While responding to a question about ISIS and Taliban fights, he said that they have no same ideology. Afghan Talibans, he said, are their parents.
“This is a war economy. There are multiple agencies behind them. But it is quite clear that we Pakistanis have no mercy for these terrorists,” he explained.
