Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), on Thursday provided an overview of the Pakistan Army's ongoing counter-terrorism operations and internal accountability measures.

During a briefing to the media, Chaudhry highlighted that the forces conducted over 32,000 intelligence-based operations against terrorists and their facilitators, with 4,021 operations carried out in the past month alone.

These operations, he said, resulted in the elimination of 90 terrorists and the martyrdom of 193 army personnel. “Operations were conducted against Lashkar-e-Islam and Jamaatul Ahrar in Tirah valley from August 20. During these operations, 37 terrorists were eliminated and 14 others injured. Among the targets was also a terrorist, Abuzar,” he elaborated.

Balochistan situation

The ISPR head also addressed recent security challenges in Balochistan, where he said multiple terrorist attacks occurred on the night of August 25 and 26 allegedly at the behest of enemies and their facilitators. He said security forces and law enforcement agencies carried out clearance operations and neutralized 21 terrorists, although the operations tragically resulted in the loss of 14 personnel.

He further claimed that external forces were interfering in the country to hamper the ongoing process of development and welfare of the people in Balochistan. “The attacks on the night of August 25 and 26 were part of the agenda issued on external funding,” he alleged.

The ISPR chief stressed that the blood of every Pakistani was sacred and would not be allowed to go in vain. He said a handful of people who were patrons of terrorists were creating narratives of oppression and a sense of deprivation in the province.

“About 70% of Balochistan's development budget has not been released to it by the federal government. Balochistan has CPEC, Gwadar airport, 100 dam projects. The federal and provincial governments are introducing numerous projects in the province,” Lt Gen Chaudhry went on, adding that Balochistan has the same political system as the whole country.

He also asked why those who work to contribute to Balochistan's economy were targeted. The aim, he said, was to create a narrative of deprivation in Balochistan and halt its economic development.

Accountability in armed forces

On internal matters, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the army believed in self-accountability, which functioned on the basis of concrete evidence and proofs rather than allegations. On August 12, he said, court-martial proceedings against former ISI chief Faiz Hameed were announced after a complained was received against the senior military officer in the Top City case.

He recalled that in April 2024, a high-level inquiry was directed against Faiz Hameed. After completing the inquiry on concrete evidence, it was declared on August 12 that the retired officer had violated the rules. “The Pakistan Army has no political agenda. It neither opposes nor supports any political party,” he clarified.

If someone in the army works for personal interests or promotes a political agenda for personal gains, the self-accountability system of the Pakistan Army is initiated. “There is a clear consensus in the Pakistan Army that the force as a national and state institution will be protected from any specific political use,” he remarked, adding that the officers concerned will have the right to engage counsels of their choice.

There will be no compromise on national security, he stressed, adding that the forces and law enforcement agencies have been working in four phases against terrorism.

Clearance operations

“The Pakistan Army has cleared more than 46,000 square kilometers of terrorists. Terrorists have no monopoly in any area,” Lt Gen Chaudhry explained, adding that the Pakistan Army is providing full support to the local, provincial and federal governments in the affected areas.

“After the clear and hold phases, build and transfer phases are not being carried out. Because of the administration not holding, the army has to conduct clearance operations again in some areas,” the DG ISPR stated.

He further said that since the change of regime in Afghanistan, terrorist activities have increased, as they are using US-made weapons for terrorist activities and suicide attacks. He claimed that terrorists have nothing to do with religion or tribal values. “Those who think such actions can dent the relations with Afghanistan are mistaken,” he stressed, adding that the government had launched a revised strategy in the name of Azm-e-Istehkam.

Army and budget

“Pakistan's criminal justice system should be strengthened. The nexus of terrorists and criminal mafia should be broken,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said, adding that if he answered the question on economy, it would be said the army talks about the economy.

The Pakistan Army soldiers themselves belonged to middle and lower classes, claimed the military spokesperson. “We are well aware of the economic issues. Most of the country’s elites do not join the army,” he stated.

He further said this year, the defense budget had reduced to 1.7% of the GDP, adding that compared to the previous financial year, the army deposited Rs100 billion in taxes. “Other institutions of the army submitted Rs260 billion to the government in taxes. This is the culture of the army: from the unit to the officer level, everyone works for public welfare and cooperates in education, health, agriculture, and other sectors,” the DG ISPR explained.

He further stated that under the SIFC, the army was assisting the government, adding that a country could not develop without strong administrative structures. “The Pakistan Army fully supports the government against the exploitative nexus.”

Faiz Hameed's case

The ISPR chief maintained that the direct boss of the Inter-Services Intelligence agency was the prime minister. “Our accountability process is transparent, strict and rigorous. It works on evidence and proof. If any individual on any position and rank violates rules and regulations, the army system works against them,” he asserted.

In former ISI chief Faiz Hameed's case, the evidence and proofs of working for personal benefits in a personal capacity were before the inquiry officers. “Faiz Hameed acted against the rules and regulations for a particular political party for personal gain,” he declared, adding that court martial proceedings against Faiz Hameed were underway.

“We approach their hideouts and target them,” the DG ISPR declared, adding that they would have to be held accountable.

He went on to say that according to Army Act, any person who is subject to the law is liable to be proceeded against if there is evidence against them and then the law takes its own course. “The army’s court martial system works very fast. Counsel, appeal, cross-examination, and other legal rights are given, therefore no timeline can be given for the completion of court martial proceedings,” he explained.

Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that any person involved in a case will not escape the law, irrespective of his position or status.