The Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized the ongoing sacrifices of the armed forces in combating terrorism and called for national unity against both physical and “digital terrorists.” Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the rising threat of digital terrorism on social media, urging the nation to join the fight against it.
He clarified that the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign is a comprehensive counter-terrorism initiative, not a military operation, and criticized its politicization. He stressed that Azm-e-Istehkam was established with national consensus and does not involve creating no-go areas or causing displacements. Despite controversy, he reassured that the campaign is aimed at eradicating terrorism comprehensively.
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Providing statistics, Lt Gen Chaudhry mentioned that the armed forces conduct numerous operations daily, with 22,409 intelligence-based operations carried out this year alone. These efforts have led to significant successes, including the elimination of high-value targets and substantial sacrifices from military personnel.
Addressing the Bannu incident, he detailed the bravery of Sepoy Saqib, who sacrificed himself to save others during a terrorist attack. He also highlighted the subsequent peace march in Bannu, noting the involvement of armed personnel and emphasizing the army’s adherence to its response protocols.
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Regarding digital terrorism, Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed the difficulty in pinpointing digital terrorists and the need for effective measures to curb the spread of fake news targeting the armed forces. He underscored the importance of legal action against those spreading misinformation, highlighting the adverse impact of digital terrorism on national security.
Discussing the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in, he affirmed that the government and institutions were addressing the issue sensitively, given its connection to the Palestinian situation. He dismissed claims of the army’s involvement in the sit-in and reiterated the military’s support for Gaza, condemning the ongoing genocide.
In conclusion, Lt Gen Chaudhry called for unity against digital terrorism, warning that failure to act would benefit Pakistan’s enemies. He pointed out the involvement of foreign groups and India in attempting to weaken the country’s institutions and armed forces.
