No Room for Talks with Terrorists, They Must Surrender Their Weapons, Says DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has stated that there is no room for negotiations with terrorists, warning that they must either surrender their weapons before the state or face decisive action.

Addressing a press conference, the military spokesperson said terrorists have realized that no leniency will be shown to them. “They must surrender in accordance with the law or we will continue to fight and eliminate them,” he said.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that deliberate attempts are being made to portray the situation in Balochistan as unstable, adding that certain elements are involved in creating unrest in the province. He said that after the failure of the enemy’s strategy during Marka-e-Haq, hostile forces shifted their focus towards Balochistan.

He claimed that several missing persons were later found to be involved in terrorist activities in Mastung, Khuzdar, and other areas, while many attackers killed during operations had also been listed as missing persons. He questioned what Afghanistan and India have in common besides the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

The DG ISPR said that the lists of missing persons often correspond with individuals killed while fighting alongside terrorist organizations. He added that the narrative surrounding missing persons has also failed, noting that conflicting figures ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 have been circulated.

Over 40,000 Intelligence-Based Operations Conducted

Providing details of counterterrorism efforts, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that a total of 40,348 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have been conducted over the past five years, resulting in the killing of 2,084 terrorists.

He said that 31,080 operations were carried out in Balochistan, 7,177 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 2,091 in other parts of Pakistan. In Balochistan alone, 178 people were martyred, 55 individuals were abducted, and 24 bridges were destroyed, while 105 attacks targeted police and Levies personnel.

According to the DG ISPR, 303 soldiers of the Pakistan Army and 322 civilians have embraced martyrdom in the war against terrorism so far this year.

He further stated that 28 bomb blasts occurred in 2026, with Afghan nationals allegedly involved in most incidents. Afghan nationals were also involved in terrorist incidents in Tank and Karachi, he claimed, adding that the Afghan Taliban regime treats terrorism as a business.

“We are pursuing and hunting down terrorists. As a result, Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, and their handlers based in India are now targeting soft targets,” he said, alleging that extremist elements are exploiting young girls in Balochistan for their agenda.

“Balochistan’s Problem Lies with Its Elite and Tribal Sardars”

The DG ISPR said that the fundamental issue in Balochistan stems from the province’s elite class and tribal sardars, who, according to him, do not want underprivileged children to receive education and progress.

He alleged that these influential groups seek control over the Levies Force and wish to use it for personal security and political interests. “The status quo they seek is one in which poor children remain uneducated and dependent,” he remarked.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry further alleged that some elements are involved in narcotics and diesel smuggling under the guise of business activities and demand a share in public resources, threatening unrest if their demands are not met.

He emphasized that the people of Balochistan are the province’s true stakeholders and said that Pakistan’s Constitution and laws are supreme and apply equally to all citizens. Referring to Article 5 of the Constitution, he said loyalty is owed solely to the state.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Remarks on New Provinces Are His Personal Opinion

Responding to a question about Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks regarding new administrative units and the existing governance system, the DG ISPR said those comments reflected the minister’s personal opinion.

He stressed, however, that good governance is indispensable for national stability and security. He noted that all political parties had endorsed the 14 points of the National Action Plan and questioned why their implementation remains incomplete.

He added that issues such as narcotics trafficking, smuggling, Afghan refugees, and madrassa registration are all linked to governance. “The population has increased while administrative structures have largely remained unchanged. We must think seriously about improving governance,” he said, adding that decisions regarding new provinces or administrative units ultimately belong to the people of Pakistan.

“Kashmir Was, Is, and Will Remain Pakistan’s Jugular Vein”

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on Kashmir, saying, “Kashmir was, is, and will remain Pakistan’s jugular vein.”

He stated that future generations in Pakistan would continue to raise the slogan “Kashmir Banega Pakistan,” adding that Kashmir remains an integral issue for Pakistan.

The DG ISPR also rejected allegations directed at Pakistan’s armed forces in relation to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the local police and should not be politicized.