Key Points from Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s Press Briefing
National Interests Above Politics
Lieutenant General Chaudhry stressed that no political leader’s ambition should surpass Pakistan’s national interests. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring justice for the May 9 incidents.
Success Against Terrorism in 2024
2024 saw the highest number of terrorists killed, with 925 terrorists eliminated and 73 of the most-wanted terrorists neutralized. The military also lost 383 personnel in defense of the nation.
Cross-Border Terrorism Threat
Chaudhry addressed the ongoing threat from Afghan soil, vowing to dismantle terrorist networks linked to Afghanistan.
Pakistan Army Ready for Regional Aggression
The DG ISPR reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to respond firmly to any aggression from India and condemned India’s actions in Kashmir.
Improving Governance to Combat Crime
Chaudhry linked the fight against terrorism to improvements in governance, including tackling crime, extortion, and smuggling.
Addressing Illegal Afghan Migration
Over 800,000 illegal Afghan migrants have been repatriated, with efforts also being made to secure Pakistan’s digital borders.
Ongoing Dialogue with Afghanistan
Chaudhry revealed ongoing talks with Afghanistan to address terrorism and extremism while respecting Afghan sovereignty.
Military’s Role in Politics
The DG ISPR clarified that the military maintains a professional relationship with political leaders and stresses the importance of dialogue over violence.
Accountability for May 9 Incident
Chaudhry confirmed the May 9 incident was part of a conspiracy and emphasized holding those responsible accountable.
Clarifying November 2024 Protests
The military’s role in the November protests was to maintain security, with Chaudhry condemning the spread of fake news about fatalities.
Commitment to Pakistan’s Sovereignty
Chaudhry concluded by reaffirming the Pakistan Army’s dedication to the nation’s security and sovereignty, prioritizing national interests above all else.
