Army Offers Three Options to Terrorist Facilitators; Warns Those Aiding Foreign Militants Will Face Consequences
DG ISPR says facilitators must hand over foreigners, fight alongside the state, or face military action
PESHAWAR: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesperson on Monday outlined three options for individuals who facilitate terrorists, warning that those who assist foreign militants will be brought to justice. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told a press conference in Peshawar that facilitators now face a clear choice: hand over the foreign suspects to the state, join the state’s fight against the militants, or prepare for military action against them.
The DG ISPR said security forces will steadily squeeze the space for terrorists and their local helpers, calling on the public to support efforts to eliminate the “foreign malignancy.” He reiterated that anyone involved in enabling foreign fighters will be held to account.
Highlighting institutional shortfalls, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said many policing tasks have fallen onto the military because of inadequate law enforcement capacity. He pointed to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa having only 3,200 personnel, arguing that such limitations undermine results.
The DG warned of a nexus of political and criminal backing behind terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that political priorities have sometimes been placed above security needs. He also criticised continued smuggling and non-custom-paid vehicles, linking them to the inflow of explosives and weapons.
Reiterating earlier remarks that the revised National Action Plan has not been fully implemented, Lt Gen Sharif said political interference and misleading narratives have contributed to a rise in attacks in the province. He urged local authorities and communities to take responsibility for protecting the people rather than relying solely on external help.
The press conference underlined the army’s message that Pakistan will not tolerate safe havens for militants and that facilitators — local or foreign — will face decisive action if they do not comply with the three prescribed options.
