The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has strongly criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government’s opposition to counterterrorism operations, stating that the chief minister’s narrative has now become completely clear and alarming. He questioned whether rejecting military operations meant surrendering to extremist militants, bluntly asking: “If there is no military operation, should we sit at the feet of the Khawarij?”

Addressing a press conference at General Headquarters (GHQ), the DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s war against terrorism is a national struggle in which political parties, state institutions, and security forces share a unified narrative. He said that no one can divert the country from its firm stance against terrorism, adding that the national resolve against extremist violence remains unwavering.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said that during the current year, the state once again reaffirmed the principles of Paigham-e-Pakistan, which clearly define terrorism and extremism as un-Islamic. He stressed that this clarity has been conveyed not only to the public but also to religious scholars and clerics. Another major clarity, he said, emerged regarding the nexus between India and Fitna-al-Khawarij, which has become increasingly evident.

He stated that in 2025, the connections among the Afghan Taliban, Khawarij militants, and India surfaced openly. According to him, several subtle and complex operational patterns have also been uncovered this year. Referring to a statement made on Indian television, the DG ISPR said that an individual openly claimed that Afghanistan and India would jointly attack Pakistan. “Let Afghanistan and India come together,” he remarked sarcastically, “we will fulfill their desire.”

The military spokesperson further alleged that a politically conducive environment for terrorism is being created in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He questioned the silence of the so-called Taliban foreign minister during clashes between terrorists and Pakistani security forces, asking where he was when blood was being shed. He criticized what he described as distorted religious interpretations, saying that some extremists preach submission to India while claiming Islamic legitimacy.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif stated categorically that Afghanistan, contrary to international norms, does not have a legitimate and representative government. Instead, he said, a small group has forcibly occupied power. He reiterated that Pakistan had long been warning the international community that Afghanistan was becoming a hub of terrorism, and now the world itself is acknowledging this reality.

Citing international assessments, he said that not only Pakistan but also countries like Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan have reported terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil. According to a United Nations report, he added, at least 20 international terrorist organizations are currently active in Afghanistan, posing a serious threat to regional and global security.

The DG ISPR underlined that the entire nation and Pakistan’s security forces are making immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. In such circumstances, he said, it is deeply troubling for a provincial government to declare that it will not allow counterterrorism operations in its territory. He questioned whether such a stance meant inviting a return to the horrific conditions once witnessed in Swat, where thousands of innocent civilians were martyred by terrorists.

He said that the narrative of certain political elements has now been fully exposed. According to him, these groups continue to rely on outdated political slogans and lack credible answers when confronted with serious questions. He accused them of seeking favor with Fitna-al-Khawarij, warning that appeasement of extremist elements has historically led to devastating consequences.

Criticizing statements attributed to the KP chief minister, the DG ISPR said it was absurd to suggest that Afghanistan should help Pakistan or provide security guarantees. He termed such remarks “laughable” and questioned the logic of seeking security assurances from a country that itself is accused of harboring terrorists. “What kind of appeasement policy is this,” he asked, “that you look towards Kabul for your own security?”

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said the KP chief minister’s narrative has now been laid bare before the nation. He posed a series of rhetorical questions, asking whether rejecting military operations meant submitting to Khawarij militants, pledging allegiance to extremist leaders like Noor Wali Mehsud, or allowing figures like Hibatullah to decide what happens in cities such as Charsadda.

In conclusion, the DG ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s stance against terrorism is clear, firm, and non-negotiable. He stressed that the country will not compromise on its security or sovereignty and will continue to confront terrorism with unity, clarity, and resolve, regardless of political pressures or misleading narratives.