Pakistan’s Security Guaranteed by Armed Forces, Not Kabul: DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry

**Rawalpindi (Qudrat Daily)** — Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (**DG ISPR**), **Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry**, has said that *Pakistan’s security is ensured by its armed forces — not Kabul.* He strongly rejected the idea of giving any “security guarantees” to Afghanistan and ruled out negotiations with the **Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)**, stating, *“The Taliban play football with the heads of our soldiers — how can talks be possible with them?”*

During a media briefing to senior journalists, the DG ISPR clarified that **Pakistan never celebrated the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan** and continues its operations against the **TTP, BLA**, and other militant groups. “Pakistan’s armed forces are the guarantors of the nation’s security, not Kabul,” he emphasized.

Addressing a question on drone operations, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said, *“We have no agreement with the U.S. regarding drone usage. No drone operations are being conducted from Pakistan, and no formal complaint has been received from the Taliban regime.”*

He accused the **Taliban administration of facilitating terrorists**, adding that Pakistan had clearly told them during meetings in **Istanbul** that terrorism must be controlled by the Afghan side. “These terrorists were once part of our territory but fled to Afghanistan during our counterterrorism operations. We have demanded their handover so they can be dealt with according to Pakistan’s law and constitution,” he said.

The DG ISPR highlighted the nexus between **terrorists, criminal elements, and drug traffickers**, saying that opium cultivation funds terrorism, with warlords, the Taliban, and the TTP sharing profits from smuggling and narcotics.

On border management, he noted that **Pakistan shares a 2,600-kilometer mountainous border with Afghanistan**, where every 25 to 40 kilometers there is a Pakistani post — unlike the other side, where border guards often assist militants in crossing into Pakistan and even fire on Pakistani troops.

Commenting on the **governor’s rule debate**, he said it is *a federal matter, not a military one.* He further clarified that reports of large-scale operations in Tirah Valley are inaccurate, though **intelligence-based operations (IBOs)** continue, during which around **200 Pakistani soldiers and officers** have been martyred.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif asserted that Pakistan’s stance is *“clear and firm”* — no terrorism, no interference, and no use of Afghan soil against Pakistan. “We don’t need anyone to teach us morality,” he said. “We don’t beg under anyone’s chin; we know how to defend our forces and our people.”

On the question of sending troops to Gaza, the DG ISPR replied that **such decisions fall under the government’s domain**, not the military’s.