DG ISPR links terrorism in KP to narcotics trade and political patronage.

ISLAMABAD, November 4, 2025: Pakistan Army’s spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has reaffirmed that the military has no desire to engage in politics and that political matters must be left to the elected government.

Speaking to senior journalists in Peshawar, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) declared, “The Pakistan Army does not wish to be involved in politics and should be kept away from political matters.” He added that the imposition of Governor’s Rule, if ever considered, would be the prerogative of the federal government.

‘Enough is Enough’: DG ISPR Warns Kabul Over Terrorism

The military spokesperson issued a strong message to the Afghan Taliban, warning that Pakistan would not tolerate cross-border terrorism.

“Enough is enough,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said. “Afghanistan must stop cross-border attacks. Pakistan will not beg the Afghan Taliban for security we will ensure peace through our own strength.”

He revealed that Afghanistan had become a hub of international terrorism, with multiple militant groups operating there. He said Pakistan supported a representative government in Afghanistan and had conveyed this position in recent Doha and Istanbul talks.

62,000 Operations Conducted in 2025

Providing an update on the security situation, Lt Gen Chaudhry said 62,113 operations had been conducted across the country this year, resulting in the elimination of 1,667 terrorists, including 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 112 members of Fitna al-Khawarij a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

He added that 584 soldiers and 356 civilians had embraced martyrdom in the fight against terrorism. “Our operations are ongoing in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and border regions. We are targeting those who attack mosques and seminaries,” he said.

Terrorism and Narco-Economy: A Deadly Nexus

The DG ISPR also exposed the financial network sustaining terrorism, linking it to narcotics and political protection.

He said that 12,000 acres of land in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being used for poppy cultivation, generating profits of up to Rs3.2 million per acre. “Certain local politicians and criminal elements are involved,” he noted, adding that the Afghan Taliban protect this illicit trade.

During recent military operations in the Tirah Valley, poppy fields were destroyed using drones, the Anti-Narcotics Force, and the Frontier Corps.

India Warned Over False-Flag Operation

Turning to regional security, Lt Gen Chaudhry warned that India was planning a false-flag operation in the maritime domain, similar to its past disinformation tactics.

“Let India do whatever it wants on land, in the sea, or in the air,” he said. “But this time, the response will be far more severe.”

The DG ISPR accused India of sponsoring terrorist proxies, including Fitna al-Khawarij, and said Pakistan’s forces were fully prepared to counter any aggression.

No US Drone Deal, No Talks With Terrorists

Rejecting claims of any drone agreement with the United States, Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that “Pakistan has no such arrangement, and no official complaint has been received from the Taliban regime.”

He emphasized that there would be no talks with terrorists. “These militants play football with the severed heads of our soldiers. How can there be talks with such people?” he asked.

He further said those advocating dialogue with the Taliban “should go live in Afghanistan” if they sympathize with them.

Peacekeeping in Gaza: Decision for the Government

When asked about Pakistan’s potential participation in a Gaza peacekeeping mission, Lt Gen Chaudhry clarified that it was not a military matter.

“The decision to send a peacekeeping force to Gaza will be made by the government and parliament,” he stated, underscoring that the military follows the directives of the civilian leadership.

‘We Will Not Be Dragged Into Politics’

Reiterating his stance, the DG ISPR said the Army’s focus remains on defending Pakistan’s borders and eliminating terrorism, not engaging in political debates.

“If anyone is trying to drag us into politics, that is their own strategy,” he remarked. “The Army’s commitment is to Pakistan not to any individual or party.”

He emphasized that institutional relations with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remain intact, and the Army respects all elected representatives.

Conclusion

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry concluded his briefing by reaffirming the Army’s unwavering resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty.

“Pakistan’s security is guaranteed by its armed forces, not Kabul,” he said. “We have defeated terrorism before, and we will do it again.”

As tensions rise on multiple fronts from cross-border militancy to India’s maritime maneuvers the military’s message was clear: Pakistan’s defense stands firm, and its neutrality in politics remains non-negotiable.