Terrorists Must Surrender or Be Eliminated, Says DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry

RAWALPINDI: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that terrorists have only two options—surrender their weapons in accordance with the law or face elimination—adding that Pakistan’s security forces will not compromise in the fight against terrorism.

Addressing a media briefing on counterterrorism and national security, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that more than 40,000 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have been conducted across the country over the past five years. He noted that 31,000 operations have been carried out in Balochistan and 7,177 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He stated that 819 people have embraced martyrdom in terrorist incidents this year, including 303 military personnel and 322 civilians. He further said that 2,084 verified terrorists have been killed so far in 2026, while security forces have conducted an average of 194 operations daily, eliminating nearly ten terrorists every day.

According to the DG ISPR, there have been 28 suicide attacks this year, and Afghan nationals have been involved in several terrorist incidents, including those in Tank and Karachi. He alleged that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan is providing support to terrorist groups and described terrorism as central to its policies.

Lt Gen Chaudhry warned that terrorists and their facilitators would be dealt with decisively, saying they would be made to face consequences they would “never forget.”

No Room for Negotiations With Terrorists

The military spokesperson reiterated that there is no room for negotiations with terrorists. “They must either surrender under the law or we will fight them,” he said.

He maintained that efforts are deliberately made to create the impression that conditions in Balochistan are worsening, adding that terrorist organizations and their supporters are engaged in propaganda campaigns aimed at undermining the province’s stability.

‘Elite Class and Tribal Chiefs Oppose Balochistan’s Progress’

Lt Gen Chaudhry alleged that certain members of the elite class and tribal leadership oppose social and economic progress in Balochistan because they do not want underprivileged communities to prosper.

He claimed that some influential figures view the Levies Force as a personal instrument of power and seek to maintain the status quo by preventing educational and economic advancement among ordinary citizens.

“We will not speak to the elite class or tribal chiefs; we will engage with the people of Balochistan,” he said.

Constitution and Rule of Law Define a ‘Hard State’

Responding to questions regarding the concept of a “hard state,” the DG ISPR said that such a state is one where all affairs are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the law and where those laws are applied equally to everyone.

“A hard state does not mean military rule,” he clarified, adding that loyalty to the state and adherence to constitutional principles are responsibilities shared by all citizens.

He emphasized that Pakistan remains the country’s foremost and ultimate identity, stating, “If there is a state, there is politics; if there is a state, there is life.”

Balochistan, Missing Persons, and Propaganda Campaigns

Lt Gen Chaudhry alleged that terrorist organizations are increasingly targeting soft targets after facing setbacks at the hands of security forces. He said that 178 civilians have been martyred this year, while terrorists destroyed bridges and roads at 24 locations and set fires at 60 sites.

He also accused militant groups of exploiting young women by manipulating them into participating in acts of terrorism, describing such practices as incompatible with both religion and local culture.

On the issue of missing persons, he said that investigations have revealed that some individuals reported missing had joined militant organizations or were later killed in armed confrontations or terrorist activities.

The DG ISPR further alleged that more than 300 fake Indian websites are engaged in spreading propaganda related to Balochistan through various digital platforms to promote hatred and division.

Afghan Refugees, Smuggling, and Human Trafficking

Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that approximately 2.6 million Afghan refugees have been repatriated and stressed that anyone wishing to enter Pakistan must do so legally through the visa process.

He added that authorities have seized smuggled goods worth nearly Rs25 billion and arrested around 4,500 individuals allegedly involved in human trafficking.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Remarks Were His Personal Opinion

Responding to a question regarding recent remarks by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the DG ISPR said the minister’s comments represented his personal opinion.

He emphasized that good governance remains indispensable for resolving Pakistan’s challenges and noted that all political parties had agreed upon the 14 points of the National Action Plan.

“Without good governance, the country’s problems cannot be resolved,” he said.

Kashmir an Integral Part of Pakistan

Speaking on Kashmir, Lt Gen Chaudhry reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding position that Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and that its future must be determined by the Kashmiri people in accordance with their aspirations.

He also commented on the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying that democratic and constitutional processes provide the appropriate forum for addressing political differences and expressing public opinion.