DG ISPR Press Conference: Key Highlights and Implications

On Friday, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, held a high-profile press conference in Peshawar. The gathering drew attention nationwide, as he addressed urgent matters of security, terrorism, governance, and Pakistan’s posture on regional threats. Below is a breakdown of what he said, what it means, and how people are responding.

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Setting the Scene: Why This Press Conference Mattered

The conference was hosted at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar and streamed live. Chaudhry began by paying tribute to the people and security personnel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), acknowledging the sacrifices they endure daily. With terrorism incidents reportedly rising in that region, the timing and tone of the address carried real weight.

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Main Messages: Themes & Claims

1. Implementation Gaps in the National Action Plan (NAP)

Chaudhry strongly criticized failures to enforce the National Action Plan, the 14-point counterterrorism strategy agreed by multiple governments. He argued that despite having consensus, many parts of the plan remain dormant. The general pressed political actors to revisit it and asked: “Are we doing what we agreed to do?”

2. Governance Failures & the Terror-Crime Nexus

A recurring point was the idea that weak governance, corruption, and local criminal networks are aiding the resurgence of militancy. He alleged that some provincial government actors tolerate illegal activity—such as smuggling or unregistered vehicles—that provide cover for terrorist movement.

3. Talks vs. Operations Debate

Chaudhry took a firm stance against negotiating with militant groups, saying that “appeasement of terrorists and their facilitators is never … a policy.” He challenged voices calling for talks, asking: if dialogue were the answer for all problems, why not use it after intrusions or attacks?

4. Cross-Border Terrorism and Afghanistan’s Role

He voiced serious concerns about militants using Afghan soil as staging ground for attacks in Pakistan. He told reporters Pakistan has repeatedly asked Afghanistan to not let its territory be used by non-state actors. However, he also avoided explicitly confirming operations within Afghanistan.

5. Judiciary Shortcomings & Case Pendency

Chaudhry lamented that despite thousands of intelligence-based operations (IBOs), few terrorist cases end in convictions. He said in KP, many Counter Terrorism (CT) cases languish without resolution, undermining deterrence.

6. Accountability in Military Procedures

When asked about the court martial case against former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, he stressed that internal accountability must follow process, evidence, and fairness. He warned against politicising such sensitive matters.

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The Numbers He Shared

In 2024, KP saw 14,535 IBOs, resulting in 769 terrorists killed, though security forces also incurred heavy losses.

In 2025 (till mid-September), 10,115 operations were carried out in KP, killing 970 terrorists.

He claimed that 70% of national terrorist incidents occur in KP and Balochistan.

These figures were used to reinforce his thesis: KP is the frontline. If it weakens, the entire country is at risk.

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Reaction & Critiques

Political leaders in KP bristled at his claim that the provincial government tolerates militants. Some called it an overreach, arguing security is a shared responsibility.

Observers say his speech is strong in rhetoric but light on new operational commitments. Many wonder: how will enforcement of NAP actually change?

Civil society groups pointed out that a press conference alone doesn’t fix judicial delays, structural corruption, or resource gaps in policing.

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Why the Press Conference Resonated

1. Clarity of Message — DG ISPR used this platform to draw clear red lines: no more tolerance for terrorists, no safe havens.

2. Political Nudge — By naming governance failures, he forced civilian institutions into the spotlight.

3. Public Assurance — For citizens in KP especially, the message was meant to reassure that the state takes their security seriously.

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Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

Will the government genuinely revive and enforce the unfulfilled points of the National Action Plan?

Will more CT cases move from pendency to conviction?

Will Pakistan intensify its cross-border diplomacy or operations regarding safe havens in Afghanistan?

How will the KP government respond to the criticism and pressure from this presser?

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Final Thoughts

The latest DG ISPR press conference was more than a public address—it was a political statement, a strategic signal, and a call to collective action. While the tone was firm and uncompromising, the real test lies in implementation. Only time will tell whether the bold rhetoric transforms into sustained and measurable security gains for Pakistan.

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