The Pakistan armed forces stand firmly with the people of Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination, stated the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in a press conference on Monday.
Highlighting the ongoing war against terrorism, the Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that 23,622 operations, both large and small, have been conducted across Pakistan. In the last 15 days alone, 24 terrorists have been killed.
He announced that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will now be referred to as Fitna-ul-Khawarij. He stressed that the TTP is a disruptive force with no ties to religion.
The DG ISPR reported that over the past seven months, 139 officers and soldiers have been martyred. "The war against terrorism will continue till the end of the last terrorist," he stressed.
The Pakistan Army is actively participating in socio-economic projects for the welfare of the people. "Education, health, welfare, economic independence and other projects are completed with the support of the federal and provincial governments," he explained.
In addition to anti-terrorism efforts, the Pakistan Army is also engaged in numerous welfare projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's merged districts and Balochistan, the military spokesman added. Welfare projects are also going on in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. "Education is fundamental in the development of the country," he stated.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said educational institutions had been established by the Pakistan Army where 80,000 children are currently studying. He elaborated that 94 schools, 12 cadet colleges, 10 technical and vocational institutes were established in the merged districts of KP.
The 'Education for All' program has successfully enrolled more than 700,000 students. He also mentioned the provision of other facilities to students in Balochistan, demonstrating the army's dedication to enhancing education in underserved areas.
"The Pakistan Army has taken measures across the country for basic health facilities," the DG ISPR stated. Key infrastructure projects in Balochistan, such as roads and bridges, have also been completed with military support, he maintained, adding that in Gwadar, work on 104 development projects continues with the army's backing.
Moreover, the DG ISPR noted that over 86,000 personnel have been deployed to support anti-polio campaigns. Thousands more are ensuring the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Additionally, the Pakistan Army has contributed Rs100 billion to the national exchequer in the form of taxes.
He reiterated that a safe Pakistan is integral to a strong Pakistan, and the army does not align with any particular political ideology, creed, or religion. Instead, the army is committed to leading the country's development.
"The officers and officials of the Pakistan Army are not elite of this country," he insisted, questioning that if the forces should stop working on education and health because of criticism.
He warned of a "mafia" that did not want Pakistan's development, saying that the mafia did not talk about the responsibilities of the country's elite . The DG ISPR urged the public to recognize and collectively oppose this obstructive force.
"We should recognize this mafia and respond to it with a united voice," he added. "Our problem is that we indulge in criticism for political purposes." He further claimed that the "mafia" was worried why the army was working on public welfare.
The military spokesman said the Baloch areas bordering Iran lacked basic facilities and employment. "The people in these regions of Balochistan rely heavily on trade with Iran. If Iran were to close the border completely, it will provide an opportunity for critics to attack the army's efforts."
He further claimed that the narrative that illegal trade is taking place under the military's auspices is devised for two reasons. "Either the narrative creators are unaware of the ground realities, or these narratives are generated with an agenda to create a rift between the army and the people.
The DG ISPR reiterated that there is no change in the Pakistan Army's stance on May 9, and it's very clear. "The position stated in the May 7 press conference remains intact," he stressed, highlighting that the law is the first line of defence against "digital terrorism". However, the law against digital terrorism is not being enforced as effectively as it should be, he lamented.
He further said that legal action would be taken against those who attempt to create a rift between the army and the public. "We know who is conducting campaigns from abroad and why. Unscrupulous digital terrorists speak against the country for a few bucks," the DG remarked, noting that 127 articles had been written in the foreign media since January.
The DG ISPR further said political lobbying firms were being hired and questioned the source of the funds used for protests during official visits. "Where did this money come from?"
He alleged that the Baloch Yakjehti Committee was a proxy for terrorist organizations. He stated that the committee and its so-called leadership had a nexus with the enemies of the country, leveraging external funding for their activities. "Their external mentors support them under the guise of human rights advocacy," he added.
The DG ISPR expressed a wish that similar narratives or efforts had been made for the situation in Gaza. He noted that when these groups are challenged, they portray themselves as oppressed. Despite these challenges, Lt Gen Chaudhry affirmed that the government maintains its writ in Gwadar.
