RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) — Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, reiterated that the military’s stance on the May 9 violent protests remains unchanged, stressing that those involved must face justice.
“The army’s position on [May 9] is clear, as conveyed during the May 7 press conference. There has been no change, nor will there be,” he stated during a media briefing on the country’s security situation at Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters (GHQ).
Anti-Terrorism Operations
The DG ISPR detailed the military’s ongoing anti-terror efforts, revealing that 23,622 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have been conducted this year, with 2,045 occurring in the last 15 days. These operations led to the elimination of 24 terrorists. He noted that over 100 IBOs are carried out daily by the army and law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Combatting Extremism and Promoting Stability
Referring to the government’s recent declaration of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” Lt Gen Chaudhry asserted that the militant group does not represent Islam. He emphasized that the armed forces are particularly focused on the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and vowed to continue the fight against terrorism until the last militant is neutralized.
Contributions to Education and Social Development
Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the military’s contributions to the education sector as a crucial component of national development. He mentioned that digital education initiatives are being provided to the youth, particularly focusing on students from Balochistan. The army has started a scholarship program and is covering various expenses for Balochistani students. In Balochistan, 92 schools are operational, educating 19,000 students. Additionally, the military has established 171 schools and three cadet colleges in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
He also noted that the Pakistan Army has set up medical camps across various districts, providing free treatment. Furthermore, local and foreign companies are collaborating on numerous projects in the merged districts, prioritizing education, health, and access to clean water in Balochistan. Key infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, have been completed with the army’s assistance, and a date processing project in Panjgur is being planned with support from the UAE.
Support for Kashmiris
On the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, commemorating the revocation of Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution, Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated the Pakistan Army’s support for the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He condemned the inhumane lockdown, demographic changes, and human rights violations, emphasizing that resolving the Kashmir issue per UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential for regional peace.
The DG ISPR paid tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people’s struggle against injustice.
