(Written By: Abdul Basit Alvi,
Currently, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry holds the position of DG ISPR, serving as a three-star General in the Pakistan Army. He has been serving as the 22nd Director General of ISPR since December 6, 2022. He hails from the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) corps. Chaudhry, a member of the EME Corps, previously served as the Director General of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, assuming the role in December 2022 after replacing Babar Iftikhar.
His educational background includes Pakistan Military Academy, Command and Staff College Quetta, the German Staff College where he ranked first among all international officers, and the National Defence University in Islamabad. He made history as the first from the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering corps to be appointed as the DG ISPR. On May 11, Chaudhry was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. Known for delivering comprehensive and articulate messages in his press briefings, he has garnered significant admiration from the people of Pakistan.
In a recent detailed press briefing, Chaudhry covered various current issues in Pakistan. He addressed the misinformation spread by terrorists against the Pak Army, highlighting that more than 22,000 operations were conducted against terrorists this year, resulting in the martyrdom of 137 officers and soldiers. Additionally, 398 terrorists were neutralized, and 31 high-value targets were successfully eliminated. Pakistan has long grappled with terrorism, facing complex challenges that have deeply affected its security, socio-economic development, and international relations.
The roots of terrorism in Pakistan stem from diverse factors such as geopolitical dynamics, internal conflicts, and ideological extremism. Its strategic location, bordering Afghanistan and India, has exposed it to regional instability and cross-border militancy. Historical events like the Soviet-Afghan War have had enduring impacts, shaping militant ideologies and networks within the country.
Terrorism in Pakistan manifests through various forms including suicide bombings, targeted assassinations, sectarian violence, and attacks on both security forces and civilians. Extremist groups, whether local or transnational, exploit grievances and socio-economic disparities to propagate their agendas through violent means.
These acts of terrorism have not only claimed numerous lives but have also instilled fear and insecurity among the populace. Pakistan has made substantial efforts in combating terrorism through a comprehensive strategy that encompasses military operations, law enforcement actions, intelligence sharing, and legislative reforms.
Operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad have specifically aimed at eradicating militant strongholds, dismantling terrorist networks, and reestablishing governmental authority in previously turbulent areas. Moreover, initiatives targeting violent extremism (CVE) seek to tackle underlying causes, promote tolerance, and facilitate the rehabilitation of radicalized individuals. Recognizing the global reach of terrorism,
Pakistan has forged strong collaborations with neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and China, as well as with international partners including the United States and the United Nations. Cooperation in intelligence-sharing, border management, and capacity-building has been indispensable in addressing cross-border militancy and bolstering regional security.
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also highlighted a rise in fake news targeting the Pakistan Army, stressing the importance of addressing these issues. He lamented the politicization of critical matters, citing Operation Azm-e-Istehkam as a prime example. The spokesperson emphasized that the war against terrorism is crucial for national survival, characterizing Operation Azm-e-Istehkam as a comprehensive campaign against terrorism. He questioned the emergence of a political faction obstructing stability and the implementation of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
There can be no talks with rioters, anarchists: ISPR DG
Anti-state mafias represent a significant threat to the country. Globally, these criminal syndicates undermine not only law and order but also the fundamental integrity and sovereignty of nations. Motivated by greed, power, and lawlessness, they subvert legal frameworks and erode the rule of law. By infiltrating government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies, these syndicates manipulate policies, influence decision-making, and avoid accountability, eroding public trust and perpetuating corruption. Beyond governance, they profit from illicit activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and illegal trade, destabilizing economies and depriving governments of legitimate revenues.
The resources diverted to combat organized crime detract from investments in social welfare, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation efforts, perpetuating socio-economic disparities. Additionally, anti-state mafias collaborate with terrorist groups, insurgencies, and external adversaries to undermine national security, engaging in arms smuggling and exploiting ethnic or sectarian divisions to provoke violence and instability. These collaborations pose serious threats to territorial integrity, communal harmony, and regional stability, hindering efforts toward peacebuilding and conflict resolution in affected regions.
In the era of information warfare, anti-state mafias leverage disinformation campaigns and propaganda to manipulate public opinion, foster discord, and undermine national unity. By controlling media outlets, manipulating social media platforms, and conducting cyber operations, they propagate false narratives that distort reality, deepen societal rifts, and delegitimize legitimate governmental authorities. This psychological warfare diminishes public trust, polarizes communities, and diminishes resilience against external influences.
Effective countermeasures against anti-state mafias necessitate holistic approaches integrating law enforcement actions, judicial reforms, international collaboration, and community involvement. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering transparency in governance are crucial initiatives in dismantling criminal networks and reinforcing the foundations of lawful governance. Moreover, addressing socio-economic disparities, promoting inclusive governance, and empowering civil society are crucial for fostering resilient communities that are less susceptible to exploitation by criminal elements. The nation is firmly committed to the idea that progress cannot be achieved without eradicating terrorism, and there is a widespread desire for peace across the country.
It is essential to clarify that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam differs significantly from previous operations and is not solely focused on physical interventions. This operation is primarily aimed at accelerating the implementation of Pakistan’s National Action Plan (NAP), which was formulated in 2014 following a consensus among political and military leadership to combat extremism and terrorism within the country. According to a recent statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the operation’s objectives align closely with the NAP’s framework.
The primary goal of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is to decisively and comprehensively eliminate extremism and terrorism. It seeks to coordinate efforts across multiple fronts to counter these threats, intensify measures to curb terrorist activities, and enhance regional cooperation through political and diplomatic channels. Regrettably, there has been baseless propaganda from a few anti-state elements against this significant initiative.
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also remarked on attempts to undermine Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, noting concerns from criminal elements seeking to create controversy. He described the use of substantial financial resources, particularly on social media, to generate controversy around the operation. He characterized such actions on social media as a form of “digital terrorism,” where false narratives are used to malign intentions and target the Pakistan Army.
In an increasingly interconnected world, digital terrorism has emerged as a significant and evolving threat to global security. Unlike traditional terrorism that relies on physical violence, digital terrorism exploits the internet, social media platforms, and cyberspace to spread extremist ideologies, recruit followers, and orchestrate disruptive acts.
Digital terrorism encompasses a range of online activities aimed at intimidating, coercing, or causing harm to individuals, communities, or nations. Extremist groups leverage digital platforms to disseminate propaganda, recruit new members, and radicalize vulnerable individuals across borders. Furthermore, terrorist organizations and state-sponsored actors conduct cyber attacks to disrupt critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, or inflict financial harm, thereby threatening national security and economic stability.
The manipulation of information via disinformation campaigns, fake news, and online misinformation aims to instill fear, foster social divisions, and erode confidence in institutions. Addressing digital terrorism poses distinct challenges due to its worldwide impact, the anonymity it affords perpetrators, and the rapid spread facilitated by online platforms.
Terrorist entities often operate covertly, leveraging encryption technologies to obscure their identities and communications, which complicates law enforcement and intelligence agencies’ efforts to monitor and disrupt their actions. The borderless nature of the internet further complicates regulatory frameworks, as laws and jurisdictional boundaries differ across countries, presenting obstacles to implementing consistent and effective measures against digital terrorism. Increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and interconnected systems exposes vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors to launch cyber attacks with significant socio-economic and political ramifications.
Referring to the May 9 violent incidents, Lt Gen Chaudhry condemned the orchestrated attacks on military installations and public properties, describing them as a calculated attempt to undermine the integrity and resolve of the armed forces. He emphasized that the architects behind these attacks aimed to sow chaos and destabilize the nation, stressing the need to hold them accountable. He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who jeopardize national security face appropriate consequences.
He underscored that all individuals involved in the events of May 9 must be brought to justice, echoing the sentiments of the entire nation and the families of our fallen heroes. Additionally, he pointed out a concerning factor: the introduction of hatred and anxiety into people’s minds, particularly among the youth, by the leaders or masterminds of the May 9 incidents. The resultant mob violence is a direct consequence of this reprehensible injection of hate and anxiety.
During the briefing, the DG ISPR warned that allowing the planners of May 9 to go unpunished would only escalate fascism. He highlighted how digital terrorists swiftly exploited the Bannu incident for propaganda purposes, noting a marked increase in organized propaganda in recent times. He also detailed the unrest in Chaman, where protests erupted over government restrictions on cross-border trade, resulting in violence against security forces and scrutiny from human rights organizations. He pointed out that the smuggling trade, particularly in oil and illegal tobacco, generates billions of rupees, benefiting top-level mafias while perpetuating economic, health, and legal challenges for the nation.
Indeed, smuggling and illicit cross-border activities have far-reaching and multifaceted implications for countries worldwide. Apart from immediate economic impacts, they undermine national economies, endanger public health and safety, and corrode the foundation of lawful governance. One of the most significant impacts of smuggling is its adverse effect on national economies. Smuggled goods evade customs duties, taxes, and regulatory controls, resulting in substantial revenue losses for governments. This loss of revenue diminishes funds available for vital public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, thereby impeding economic growth and worsening budget deficits.
Regarding the remarks from the DG ISPR during the press briefing, he highlighted the pervasive influence of digital terrorism through mobile devices, computers, misinformation, propaganda, and fake news. Emphasizing the need for regular press conferences, he underscored their role in promptly addressing rumors and falsehoods. In today’s digital era, where information spreads rapidly and narratives are easily manipulated, maintaining proactive and transparent communication with the media is crucial for organizations, governments, and institutions alike. The press briefing by the DG ISPR was not just a routine update but an essential element of Pakistan’s democratic process and national security framework.
By promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse, this briefing upheld the principles of good governance and strengthened the relationship between the military and the civilian population. As Pakistan faces complex geopolitical challenges, the role of the DG ISPR in maintaining open and constructive communication is vital for safeguarding national interests and promoting stability. The nation stands united with the Pakistan Army in its efforts to combat terrorism and achieve peace. The nation as a whole dismisses propaganda targeting the Pakistan Army and strongly holds that its efforts are directed towards improving the country.
