Rawalpindi, December 27,2024: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized on Friday that no political leader’s desire for power should come at the expense of Pakistan’s interests. Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi, he assured that those behind the violent protests of May 9 would face justice and that accountability efforts would continue until all planners are held accountable.
Political neutrality
The DG underscored the military’s respect for all political parties while reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing national interests over individual or political ambitions. He encouraged political dialogue as a means to resolve differences.
Counterterrorism operations in 2024
DG ISPR told reporters that security forces carried out 59,775 operations in 2024, eliminating 925 terrorists, including high-value targets. During these operations, 383 officers and soldiers lost their lives combating terrorism. Significant successes included the elimination of prominent terrorist leaders, such as the head of the Fitna al-Khawarij group in Malakand.
Gen Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing concerns about terrorists exploiting safe havens in Afghanistan, particularly groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Despite repeated efforts to engage with the Afghan interim government, attacks from Afghan soil persist. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to dismantle terrorist networks.
He said that since September 2023, 815,000 Afghan citizens have been repatriated. The DG ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability and its longstanding support for Afghan refugees.
72% of tribal districts have been cleared of mines, significantly reducing illegal border crossings, while, the military has targeted smuggling, drug trafficking, electricity theft, and hoarding, leading to a notable decline in illegal activities.
The DG ISPR provided updates on the ongoing accountability for the May 9 unrest, which included violent protests allegedly orchestrated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Military courts have sentenced 60 individuals, with previous convictions announced for 85 civilians.
