ISLAMABAD, November 2, 2026: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said the former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was among the facilitators of terrorism, describing its approach to counterterrorism as incompetent and indifferent.
In an interview with Reuters on October 30, the military spokesperson said an element that had obstructed counterterrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was no longer present, while emphasizing that Pakistan remained committed to eliminating terrorist networks and their facilitators.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry said Pakistan had a clearly defined counterterrorism strategy that included addressing internal factors contributing to militancy alongside threats originating from across the border.
He maintained that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa supported efforts to restore peace and security, adding that opposition to counterterrorism operations came from individuals with links to terrorist groups.
The DG ISPR said security forces were conducting approximately 200 intelligence-based operations daily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rather than pursuing a large-scale military offensive.
He explained that these operations were carried out through coordination among the Pakistan Army, police and other law enforcement agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent attacks.
Discussing the security situation along the Afghan border, Lieutenant General Chaudhry said Pakistan did not attribute all domestic terrorism to Afghanistan and recognised the need to address internal security challenges.
However, he identified Afghanistan as the principal base for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan, stating that militant leadership, training facilities and operational launch points were located across the border.
The military spokesperson said Pakistan’s armed forces had developed extensive counterterrorism expertise through more than two decades of operations against militant groups.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying they had endured some of the greatest hardships caused by terrorism.
Praising the resilience and traditions of the province’s residents, he said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserved lasting peace, security and stability.
Responding to a question concerning the change of government in the province, Lieutenant General Chaudhry said it was a political matter best addressed by political representatives.
He maintained, however, that the change had taken place in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures.
Turning to Balochistan, the DG ISPR said terrorist groups were deliberately targeting development projects and economic infrastructure to obstruct progress and discourage investment in the province.
He said attacks on mining operations, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) trucks, schools and teachers reflected efforts to disrupt economic activity and undermine public services.
According to Lieutenant General Chaudhry, militants had also targeted bridges and railway infrastructure to interrupt transportation and prevent economic opportunities from reaching local communities.
He said projects capable of creating employment and strengthening the provincial economy were particularly vulnerable to such attacks.
The DG ISPR further stated that influential elements within Balochistan’s elite sought to maintain their position by keeping ordinary citizens economically disadvantaged and deprived of educational opportunities.
He described a connection between terrorist groups and sections of the provincial elite, saying both benefited from conditions that prevented development and sustained a sense of deprivation among the population.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts would continue to address terrorist networks, their support structures and the domestic challenges contributing to militancy.