80% of Terrorist Incidents Occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Due to Favorable Political Environment, Says DG ISPR

Rawalpindi: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stated that nearly 80 percent of terrorist incidents in Pakistan have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attributing this trend to what he described as a politically favorable environment for terrorists in the province.

Briefing senior journalists on counterterrorism operations carried out by security forces in 2025, the DG ISPR said that Pakistan conducted successful operations against terrorism over the past year. He revealed that 75,175 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted in 2024, during which 5,400 terrorist incidents occurred and 1,235 law enforcement personnel and civilians embraced martyrdom.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the state remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism and has taken significant measures in this regard. He emphasized that Pakistan’s stance against terrorism is clear and firm, adding that the international community has acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated that extremist elements have no connection with Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan.

He disclosed that a total of 5,397 counterterrorism operations were conducted this year alone. Addressing the high concentration of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said the primary reason is the availability of a conducive political and operational environment for terrorists in the province.

Providing a regional breakdown, the DG ISPR said that last year 14,658 intelligence-based operations were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 in other parts of the country. He added that 27 suicide attacks occurred last year, with 80 percent taking place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said terrorism began resurging in 2021 following changes in Afghanistan and the Doha Agreement. He noted that 193 terrorists were killed in 2021, while in 2025 alone, security forces neutralized 2,597 terrorists. He questioned why the commitments made under the Doha Agreement—particularly regarding preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorism and ensuring women’s education—have not been fulfilled.

He further stated that Afghanistan has become the hub of “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna-e-Hindustan,” claiming that all major terrorist organizations are based there and are being nurtured. Referring to tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in October, he said Pakistan repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to take action against Khawarij terrorists. When no response was received, Pakistani forces targeted Afghan posts within hours to send a “hard message.”

The DG ISPR also spoke about clashes along the Pak-Afghan border and “Marka-e-Haq,” stating that India suffered a major setback and has since intensified terrorist activities. He claimed that dozens of Afghan posts were neutralized during border operations in October 2025.

Addressing allegations against Pakistan, he said that terrorists use armed quadcopters, operate from mosques, and exploit women and children as human shields. He rejected claims that the Pakistan Army targets civilians, emphasizing that operations strictly focus on terrorists and their facilitators.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry alleged that terrorism in Pakistan is sponsored by India and that the Afghan Taliban are facilitating groups such as the TTP, aided by advanced weapons worth $7.2 billion left behind by the United States in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan possesses concrete evidence regarding terrorist identities, locations, and facilitators.

Concluding his briefing, the DG ISPR stressed that the fight against terrorism is not just the army’s war but a collective national struggle involving every citizen. He said the implementation of the National Action Plan, agreed upon by all political parties, is essential to eradicate terrorism, adding that this war must be won with resolve and strength.