Pakistani Army Spokesperson: KP Government Should Protect Its People Instead of “Begging Afghanistan” for Security

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during his press conference at the Peshawar Corps Headquarters, provided an overview of the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He revealed that in 2024, 14,535 intelligence-based operations were conducted in KP, resulting in the deaths of 769 terrorists, including 58 Afghan nationals. Additionally, 272 army and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, along with 140 policemen, were martyred, while 165 civilians lost their lives.

Chaudhry noted that terrorism incidents had increased since 2021, but the response from security forces had also intensified, leading to the elimination of more terrorists in subsequent years. He recalled the 2014 Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, which prompted a comprehensive strategy to root out terrorism. “We came close to realizing the dream of a peaceful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, “but unfortunately, as part of a plan, terrorists and their facilitators were provided space here.”

Factors Behind the Rise of Militancy:
Chaudhry outlined several factors contributing to the rise of militancy in KP:
1. Incomplete implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).
2. Politicization of the terrorism issue.
3. India’s use of Afghanistan as a base for terrorist operations against Pakistan.
4. The provision of modern weapons to terrorists in Afghanistan.
5. The existence of a “terrorism-crime nexus” with local and political backing.

He criticized the politicization of the repatriation of Afghan refugees and highlighted that weapons left behind by the U.S. in Afghanistan were now being used by terrorists in Pakistan.

Response to Kabul Explosion:
When asked about media reports alleging a Pakistani strike in Kabul targeting Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Noor Wali Mehsud, Chaudhry stated that the army had taken note of the reports and the Taliban’s statement. He emphasized Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan not allow its soil to be used for terrorism against Pakistan. “We engage Afghanistan at multiple levels,” he said, “but we will continue to take necessary steps to protect the lives of Pakistan’s people and its territorial integrity.Saudi Defense Deal and International Engagement:
Chaudhry also addressed the Saudi defense deal and Pakistan’s international engagement to curb Afghan terrorism. He stated that Pakistan was working with allies like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, the U.S., and Turkey to address the threat of non-state actors in Afghanistan. “These terrorists are a threat not only to Pakistan but to the entire world,” he said.

Past Engagement with TTP and Change in KP Leadership:
The DG ISPR criticized past engagements with the TTP and the change in KP leadership, which saw Ali Amin Gandapur stepping down as chief minister. He questioned the logic of negotiating with terrorists and pointed to the Afghan Taliban’s failure to abide by their promises during the Doha peace talks.

Faiz Hameed Court Martial Proceedings:
Regarding the court martial proceedings against former spymaster Lt. Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed, Chaudhry stated that the legal process was ongoing and would reach a just conclusion. He emphasized that the Pakistani Army’s internal accountability system operates on facts and evidence, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.