Nation Has Only One Father, Quaid-e-Azam; Afghan Taliban Are the Source of Terrorism: DG ISPR
Rawalpindi: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that Pakistan’s security is the constitutional responsibility of the armed forces and that terrorism will not be allowed to take root in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or any part of the country.
Addressing a press conference, the DG ISPR stated that an Afghan Taliban group has effectively seized control of Afghanistan and that terrorism emanating from Afghan soil continues to destabilize the region. He questioned why terrorism originating from Afghanistan is largely directed toward Pakistan and warned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not be handed over to terrorists under any circumstances.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry criticized calls opposing counterterrorism operations, saying that seeking security guarantees from Kabul amounted to “begging,” while Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully committed to protecting national sovereignty. He emphasized that peace is essential for development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and alleged that illegal mining and exploitation of resources were ongoing in the province.
He said terrorists have no ideology and claimed that “all terrorists have one source, the Afghan Taliban,” adding that various intelligence agencies exploit Afghan Taliban-linked groups. He stressed that Pakistan’s war against terrorism is complex and unprecedented, and must be fought with national unity.
The DG ISPR underscored the importance of implementing the National Action Plan (NAP), stating that provincial governments must fulfill their responsibilities, including action against illegal foreign nationals. He added that terrorism training camps are based in Afghanistan and that security operations are already underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with no compromise on national security.
Responding to political criticism, he said no political agenda was greater than Pakistan’s integrity, and questioned whether those opposing operations placed politics above national security. He also rejected past narratives that personalized state institutions, saying, “The nation has only one father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” and criticized attempts to elevate individuals above institutions.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry concluded by stating that all political parties are equal as long as they stand with Pakistan, and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete elimination.
