Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, DG ISPR, stated that a political mafia aims to dispute the resolve for stability.
In a press conference, DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif highlighted the recent increase in organized propaganda and false news against the armed forces, stressing the need to address these issues.
He mentioned that due to the rising falsehoods and propaganda, the military will hold regular press conferences.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif stated that this year the security forces conducted 22,409 intelligence-based operations, resulting in the death of 31 most-wanted terrorists. The forces perform 112 operations daily.
He noted that a National Apex Committee meeting on June 22 focused on Azm-e-Istahkam, attended by relevant ministers, chief ministers, chief secretaries, and all service chiefs. An announcement from the meeting emphasized the need for a national consensus on counter-terrorism policy.
Azm-e-Istahkam is Not a Military Operation but a Coordinated Campaign Against Terrorism
He criticized the politicization of serious issues, citing resolve stability as an example. He questioned why resolve stability, which is not a military operation but a coordinated campaign against terrorism, is being made contentious.
Lt. Gen. Sharif alleged that a powerful lobby wants to hinder the objectives of resolve stability and questioned why this political and illegal mafia is opposing it.
He detailed the ongoing fight against terrorism, mentioning that approximately 32,000 madrassas exist in Pakistan, with 16,000 registered. He questioned who manages the unregistered madrassas and whether the army should be responsible for registration.
He also pointed out that Afghanistan shares borders with six countries, of which Pakistan is the only one with a soft border based on identity cards. He criticized the protests against the new passport-based entry system, suggesting the real motive was to facilitate smuggling.
Response to Bannu Incident
Lt. Gen. Sharif commented on the Bannu attack, noting that civilians were killed by terrorist fire. During the Bannu peace march, some individuals chanted slogans against the state and army, and looted a ration depot. The army’s response was in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He referred to the criticism following the events of May 9, when there was a call for military intervention. The army’s actions were first to issue warnings and use aerial firing before taking necessary measures.
Disorder Will Persist Until Planners of May 9 Are Held Accountable
Lt. Gen. Sharif stated that the disorder and fascism will continue until those responsible for May 9 are held accountable. He mentioned that digital terrorists, along with traditional terrorists, targeted the military, using propaganda and false images to create unrest.
He emphasized that the army has always supported the Palestinian issue and tried to address it through dialogue, despite propaganda suggesting otherwise. He questioned whether protests by political groups would be blamed on the military if they occur.
Digital Terrorists and Traditional Terrorists Share a Common Target: The Military
Lt. Gen. Sharif concluded by noting that both digital terrorists, who spread fake news and propaganda, and traditional terrorists target the military. Despite this, those spreading fake news are often given more freedom under the guise of free speech.