KP Chief Minister’s Narrative Exposed; Refusal of Military Operation Means Surrendering to Khawarij, Says ISPR

Rawalpindi: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the narrative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister has now come out in the open, questioning whether refusing military operations against terrorists means “sitting at the feet of the Khawarij.”

Addressing a press conference at General Headquarters (GHQ), the DG ISPR said that political parties and security forces share a unified narrative in the war against terrorism, and no one can divert the state from this stance. He emphasized that Pakistan’s counterterrorism narrative is clear, firm, and non-negotiable.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif stated that in 2025 the message of Paigham-e-Pakistan was reaffirmed, with clarity provided to religious scholars and clerics, as well as on the nexus between India and Fitna-al-Khawarij. He said that the links between Afghan Taliban, Khawarij elements, and India had become openly visible during the year.

He criticized certain political statements made on Indian television, where calls were made for Afghanistan and India to jointly attack Pakistan, adding sarcastically that such elements seemed eager to see this scenario play out.

The DG ISPR questioned the role of the so-called Afghan Taliban leadership during clashes with terrorists and said Afghanistan is not being run by a legitimate government but by a small group in occupation. He reiterated that Pakistan has long maintained that Afghanistan has become a hub of terrorism, a view now echoed globally, including by Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. He cited a United Nations report stating that at least 20 international terrorist organizations are active in Afghanistan.

Highlighting sacrifices made by the nation and security forces, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said it was unacceptable for a provincial government to oppose counterterrorism operations, warning that such policies could recreate conditions similar to Swat, where thousands were martyred due to terrorism.

He said that certain political figures were recycling outdated narratives and appeared keen to gain favor with Fitna-al-Khawarij. Criticizing the KP Chief Minister’s remarks about seeking security guarantees from Kabul, he termed the approach “ridiculous” and questioned the logic of asking Afghanistan for help in ensuring Pakistan’s security.

“The KP Chief Minister’s narrative has now been fully exposed,” he said. “If military operations are rejected, does that mean surrendering to the Khawarij? Should Noor Wali Mehsud be made the chief minister, or should allegiance be pledged to him? Will Hibatullah decide what happens in Charsadda?”

The DG ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism is a national war and will be taken to its logical conclusion, stressing that there will be no compromise on the country’s security.