Decision to Send Peacekeeping Troops to Gaza Lies with Government and Parliament: DG ISPR

Islamabad: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (**DG ISPR**) Lieutenant General **Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry** has clarified that any decision regarding the deployment of **Pakistani peacekeeping forces to Gaza** will be made solely by the **government and the Parliament**, emphasizing that the **Pakistan Army does not wish to be drawn into politics** and should be kept separate from political debates.

During a detailed media briefing, the DG ISPR stated that **Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its borders and protect its people**, asserting that the country remains **sovereign in its policy decisions**.

Sharing details of ongoing security operations, he revealed that **1,667 terrorists have been eliminated** during the military campaign against **Khawarij (militant extremists)**. However, he warned that **terrorist and criminal groups**, along with smuggling networks, continue to **undermine internal security and law enforcement efforts**.

Addressing questions on regional security, the DG ISPR said that **Afghanistan’s conditions hold no significance for Pakistan**, reiterating that **there will be no dialogue with terrorists**. He added that Pakistan’s **response to cross-border threats from Afghan soil was swift and effective**, yielding “the desired results.”

He further pointed out that **drug smugglers have deep influence within Afghan politics**, and **large quantities of narcotics continue to be trafficked into Pakistan** from across the border, posing serious challenges to national and regional stability.