RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is addressing a press conference at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi.
The ISPR DG, highlighting the armed forces’ prolonged and continued battle against terrorism, noted that the outgoing year has witnessed the highest number of terrorists eliminated compared to the past five years.
“Pakistan has fought a long war against terrorism and is still fighting. It has rendered highly valued sacrifices in this fight,” he said.
He said that over 59,779 intelligence-based operations were carried out against terrorists during the past year. During these operations, 925 terrorists, including khawarij, were killed and several others were arrested.
This was the biggest number of terrorists killed in a single year during the past 5 years, the military’s spokesperson said.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said that the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies, including police, have been conducting more than 169 operations to counter the scourge of terrorism daily.
He went on to say that the armed forces have successfully thwarted numerous terrorist plots as well.
During various operations, a significant quantity of weapons was recovered from terrorist hideouts, demonstrating the scale of the threat and the success of counter-terrorism efforts, he added.
He also emphasised that several high-profile terrorists were neutralised in these operations, marking a critical achievement in the fight against extremism.
Additionally, 73 most-wanted terrorists were eliminated, further strengthening the nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms, he added.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said that two suicide bombers were also apprehended, while 14 wanted terrorists surrendered to the authorities. He further shared that 383 officers and soldiers have embraced martyrdom in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
While highlighting the achievements in the fight against terrorism, the army’s spokesperson shed light on the lives laid in the way of country’s defence.
He posed a question regarding the sacrifices of Pakistan’s soldiers, saying: “Is there no value for the blood of the soldiers who laid down their lives fighting the menace of insurgency?”
He highlighted the tremendous cost being borne by the armed forces. “Everyone must realise that our soldiers are paying the price for these decisions with their blood,” he added.
Referring to a recent tragic incident, the army’s spokesperson said: “Sixteen FC soldiers were martyred just six days ago. Does their blood hold no value?”
Highlighting regional challenges, the ISPR DG said that Pakistan has consistently worked towards establishing peace in Afghanistan. However, despite these efforts, terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil continue to pose a threat to Pakistan, he added.
He emphasised that the roots of terrorism are often traced back to Afghanistan, and Pakistan remains determined to dismantle terrorist networks without compromise.
The military’s spokesperson also pointed out that significant progress has been made in curbing smuggling, marking an achievement in enhancing border security and economic stability.
