DG ISPR Says Pakistan Will Not Compromise on National Security

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha  

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Thursday said Pakistan would take all necessary measures to protect its national security, territorial integrity and citizens, stressing that there would be no compromise on national defence.
Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR discussed the prevailing security situation, counterterrorism operations, developments along Pakistan’s western border and the armed forces’ constitutional responsibilities.
Counterterrorism Operations to Continue
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said security forces remained committed to combating terrorism and would continue intelligence-based operations against militant networks, their facilitators and logistical infrastructure.
He said Pakistan had suffered significant human and economic losses during more than two decades of fighting terrorism, adding that national security remained a responsibility of the state and should not be compromised for political considerations.
The briefing also covered security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces continue operations against militant groups.
Security Situation Along Western Border
The DG ISPR also addressed security challenges along Pakistan’s western border and concerns regarding militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistani authorities have said recent aerial operations inside Afghanistan targeted militant hideouts and infrastructure that posed a threat to Pakistani citizens and security forces. Authorities said the strikes targeted locations associated with militant groups, with initial assessments indicating that 22 militants were killed. The casualty figures and characterisation of the targets were presented by Pakistani authorities.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan would continue taking measures against groups that plan or facilitate attacks against the country from outside its borders.
Former Soldier Appears at Briefing
The DG ISPR also addressed reports concerning retired Pakistan Army Havildar Muhammad Asif.
Some Indian media reports had identified a man killed during an operation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir as Muhammad Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa, and alleged that he had previously served in Pakistan’s Special Services Group.
The Pakistani military rejected the identification. Muhammad Asif appeared before journalists during the press conference and said he had retired from the Pakistan Army in 2023 and was living in Pakistan.
The competing claims regarding the identity of the person killed in Kashmir have not been independently established by Nazrana Times.
No Compromise on Borders
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan would take every necessary step to protect its geographical borders and national security.
He said the armed forces remained prepared to respond to security threats while continuing counterterrorism operations.
The DG ISPR also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia and the Haramain Sharifain, saying defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remained firm.
He said operational details of defence arrangements could not be discussed publicly but reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security of the Kingdom and the holy sites.
Armed Forces Have No Role in Politics
Responding to questions about domestic political affairs, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces had nothing to do with politics and that political matters should be handled by political parties and elected institutions.
He said the military operates under the Constitution and the authority of the state and would remain focused on its constitutional responsibilities, particularly national defence and counterterrorism.
Concluding the briefing, the DG ISPR said Pakistan’s national security and territorial integrity remained non-negotiable and that the armed forces would continue taking necessary measures to protect the country.