DG ISPR Press Conference Today - August 5, 2024

RAWALPINDI: The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, reaffirmed the military’s unwavering stance on the violent protests of May 9. He emphasized that those involved in the riots must face justice.

“Army’s stance on May 9 is clear, as stated in the May 7 press conference. There has been no change, nor will there be,” Lt Gen Chaudhry stated during a media briefing at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

Anti-Terror Efforts

Addressing the nation’s security, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the military’s relentless anti-terror operations. “So far, we have conducted 23,622 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) this year, including 2,045 in the last 15 days alone. These operations resulted in the elimination of 24 terrorists,” he revealed.

He further noted that the army and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) conduct over 100 IBOs daily, showcasing their commitment to maintaining security.

Stance on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan

Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated the government’s recent designation of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” stating, “The TTP has no connection to Islam.” He emphasized the military’s focus on the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, vowing to continue the war against terrorism until the last militant is eliminated.

Contributions to Education and Development

Highlighting the military’s role in education, Lt Gen Chaudhry termed it crucial for the country’s development. “We are providing digital education to the youth and have initiated a scholarship program for Balochistan students, covering not just their studies but also other expenses,” he said.

“About 92 schools in Balochistan are educating 19,000 students,” he added. The army has also established 171 schools and three cadet colleges in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

The DG ISPR noted that medical camps offering free treatment have been set up in various districts. Local and foreign companies are collaborating on several projects in the merged districts, focusing on education, health, and clean water provision in Balochistan.

Infrastructure and Development Projects

Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the completion of vital infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges in Balochistan. He mentioned a new project in Panjgur aimed at processing dates, supported by the UAE.

Support for Kashmiris

On Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, marking five years since the revocation of Article 370 and 35-A, Lt Gen Chaudhry expressed the military’s solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “We are aware of the inhuman lockdown, demographic changes, and human rights violations in IIOJK. These actions defy international law and threaten regional stability,” he said.

He called for the resolution of the Kashmir issue according to UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “On this day, the Pakistan Army pays tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and supports the Kashmiri struggle against injustice,” he concluded.