RAWALPINDI: Armed Forces Call for National Unity Against Militants and Digital Terrorists
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) has emphasized that while the armed forces are already making sacrifices in the fight against terrorists, it is now time for the nation to stand up against both militants and “digital terrorists.”
Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi on Monday, the DG ISPR highlighted the growing threat of digital terrorism on social media, stating, “The army is confronting terrorists and digital terrorists alike. The time has come for the entire nation to unite against them.”
Lieutenant General Chaudhry pointed out that serious issues are being politicized in Pakistan, citing Azm-e-Istehkam as an example. “Azm-e-Istehkam is a comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign, not merely a military operation,” he clarified.
Referring to the Apex Committee meeting held on June 22, he mentioned that the committee’s statement emphasized the creation of an anti-terrorism policy with national consensus. He assured that no-go areas do not exist across the country and there would be no more displacements due to Azm-e-Istehkam.
Addressing concerns over the campaign, the army’s spokesperson informed that the Prime Minister’s Office had released a statement on June 24 to clarify the matter. “Azm-e-Istehkam is not a military operation. There is a concerted effort to politicize it, but it is a crucial anti-terrorism initiative.”
Providing operational statistics, he stated that the army is conducting numerous operations daily, with 22,409 intelligence-based operations this year alone. “During these operations, 31 high-value targets have been eliminated, and 137 officers and soldiers have sacrificed their lives,” he reported.
Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that while the army clears areas of terrorists, it is the provincial government’s responsibility to rebuild and transfer control to prevent a resurgence of terrorism. “If the cycle of ‘clear and hold’ continues without proper rebuilding, terrorists will reemerge,” he warned.
He also mentioned the recent Bannu incident, where eight military personnel were martyred, and highlighted the ongoing social media disinformation campaigns supporting terrorists. “Digital terrorists are amplifying ground terrorist activities,” he stated.
Regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Chief Noor Wali Mehsud’s audio leak, Lt Gen Chaudhry assured that authorities are pursuing the matter, seeking the extradition of terrorists from Afghanistan, and planning a strong protest with the Afghan Taliban-led interim administration.
He also addressed the recent Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in, ruling out any involvement from the establishment and reaffirming the army and government’s clear stance on the Palestinian issue, condemning the genocide in Gaza.
“The genocide in Gaza is completely unacceptable. We have sent 1,118 tonnes of aid to Gaza and will continue to support the oppressed Palestinians,” he vowed. The Gaza health ministry reported that since October 7, at least 39,006 Palestinians have been killed and 89,818 injured in the Israeli military offensive on Gaza.
