No political leader’s ambition for power should overshadow Pakistan’s national interests, the Pakistan Army spokesperson said on Friday.

“For the military, all political parties and leadership are respected. No political leader’s desire for power is greater than that of Pakistan,” Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif said at a press conference in Islamabad.

Over the years, many leaders of the ruling coalition have blamed jailed former prime minister Imran Khan for his “stubbornness” and “ego” for the political crisis. They have maintained that the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government was ready to go to elections in 2023, but it was Khan who refused to budge and continued his protests.

“Only one man is an obstacle and that person is Imran Khan,” PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui said while appearing on the Aaj News programme Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir on Tuesday. He was talking about the recent efforts to create dialogue between the government and the opposition.

“There was a coordinated conspiracy and planning behind the events of May 9 and it is essential to hold accountable those involved in this planning and conspiracy,” the ISPR DG said.

In response to a question, the ISPR DG said: “May 9 is not just the case of the Pakistan Armed Forces but of the people of Pakistan. There should be no further political manoeuvring regarding the issue of terrorism.”

When asked about the establishment’s alleged role in political party negotiations, ISPR DG Lieutenant General Chaudhry stated that the Pakistan Army maintained “official and professional relations” with every government and it was “not appropriate to politicise” this relationship.

He emphasised that all political parties and leaders deserve respect and noted that it was encouraging for politicians to come together to resolve their issues rather than adopt a confrontational approach.

The military courts have sentenced at least 85 suspects over their involvement in May 9 events, amid concerns from the international communities.

While responding to a question of whether the May 9 events had reached their “logical conclusion” after the military courts’ verdicts, Lt Gen Chaudhry said: “May 9 is not a case of the military [but] of Pakistan’s public. This should be clear.”

The military courts announced the sentences following the Supreme Court’s final verdict on appeals against an earlier verdict.

“Some time ago, a narrative was being propagated that these (the rioters) belong to the [state] agencies and the army, and the army itself orchestrated the attacks under some massive conspiracy,” he said.

“False flag,” he said while referring to the term used by the PTI to narrate its version of the events from May 9 last year. “If we have sentenced our own people, belonging to our agencies under our laws (the Pakistan Army Act), then they should be happy [but] now they are worried,” the ISPR DG said.

‘Army officers answer to state’

He reiterated that in a military trial, the accused are entitled to legal rights, which also apply to former spymaster Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed. “Any officer who prioritises politics over the state will have to answer for it,” he said and indicated that the consequences of May 9 could still be felt in November 2024.

Earlier this month, former ISI DG Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed was formally indicted on charges related to political activities. The military’s media wing announced his arrest in August.

General Chaudhry warned that any military officer who exploits their position for political or personal purposes would be subject to the accountability system.

“All army officers answer solely to the State of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army,” he said. “The military is not affiliated with any political party, and any officer placing politics above national interests will be held accountable.”

He added that the sensitivity of the ongoing case, reminding that it was sub-judice and should be discussed without unnecessary speculation. He assured that relevant details would be disclosed as necessary.

ISPR DG calls for good governance

“The control of disruptive politics does not lie with domestic political leaders, but rather with individuals outside the country,” the Pakistan Army spokesperson stated.

While reacting to the human rights organisations comments, he noted that such organisations seem to “overlook issues” in Gaza and Palestine. He urged those raising their voices about human rights to also advocate for Gaza and Kashmir.

In response to a question regarding relations with Afghanistan, the ISPR DG emphasised the desire for Afghanistan not to prioritise foreign fighters over Pakistan. He mentioned that “discussions with Afghanistan are ongoing through friendly nations.”

The general recalled the “insistence in 2021 to engage in dialogue to settle such issues, stating that the price of such insistence was being paid by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” He urged a focus on good governance in the province instead of creating narratives around such issues.

He added that if every problem could be solved through dialogue, the world would not face wars and conflicts. “The repercussions of such political behaviour affect the entire nation.”

Kurram situation

In response to questions regarding the violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district and the military’s role in addressing the situation, the ISPR DG stressed the need for understanding the background of the issue.

“This is a longstanding social problem rooted in tribal conflict and land disputes,” he said. Violent clashes have resulted in over 100 fatalities since late November, isolating Kurram from the rest of the province.

The army’s spokesperson criticised the provincial government for its “misplaced priorities,” stating that the resolution of such conflicts—whether tribal or land-related—should come through dialogue rather than shifting responsibility onto institutions.

He added that the Kurram situation had deteriorated partly due to the “sectarian colour” given to the violence through misinformation and propaganda.

“Focusing on the province’s issues, particularly in areas like Kurram, is essential instead of engaging in incitement politics,” he stated.

Lt Gen Chaudhry urged the people to come together to find common ground and resolve their differences through discussion.

He affirmed that while law enforcement and the military would support the resolution process, the “primary responsibility” lies with political leaders to address such conflicts. “The military and law enforcement will respond based on the directives of the government,” he added.

Number of terrorists killed in 2024 highest in last five years

Security forces killed 925 terrorists in 59,775 intelligence-based operations in 2024, the ISPR DG said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi on Friday, the DG said that the number of terrorists killed in 2024 was the highest ever in a single year. He added that 27 Afghan terrorists were also killed in the year.

He added that 383 officers and officials of the armed forces embraced martyrdom in the course of duty during the past year.

The war against terrorism will continue until its elimination, Sharif added.

He added that 72% of formal tribal areas have been cleared of mines and explosives.

The DG said that 815,000 illegal Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan over the past year.

An official from ISPR mentioned that the Pakistan Army, along with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and police, is carrying out over 179 operations each day.

General Chaudhry highlighted that such security operations have led to the successful elimination of 73 high-profile, most-wanted terrorists. Among those targeted was the leader of Fitna al Khawarij from the Malakand Division.

He announced the initiation of 6,500 programs for the education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and mentioned the completion of several infrastructure projects that will pave the way for development in the region.

General Sharif also noted significant contributions to infrastructure projects and education in Balochistan, including progress on the Kachhi Canal project, which will enhance local agriculture and water supply.

Addressing regional issues, the ISPR DG stated that Pakistan has consistently aimed to promote peace in Afghanistan. However, he highlighted that terrorist activities stemming from Afghan territory continue to threaten Pakistan. He asserted that the origins of terrorism are often linked to Afghanistan, and Pakistan is resolute in its commitment to dismantle terrorist networks without hesitation.

The military spokesperson also mentioned that significant strides have been made in combating smuggling, representing a key achievement in strengthening border security and economic stability.

Threats from India

Addressing threats from India, he noted that there have been 25 ceasefire violations by Indian forces along the eastern border this year. He expressed readiness to make any sacrifice for national integrity.

The DG ISPR added that Indian forces are brutally suppressing freedom movements in various regions.

“India has turned occupied Kashmir into a hotbed of violence, and its blatant violations of international laws are evident to the world,” the ISPR DG said.

Support for Kashmiris

“The Pakistan Army possesses the capability to deliver a decisive response to any Indian hostility,” he said. He also condemned India’s ongoing oppression in occupied Kashmir.

“We stand firmly with the people of occupied Kashmir and will continue to provide them with legal, diplomatic, and moral support.”

“India’s systematic genocide of minorities and involvement in killing Sikhs internationally exposes its agenda,” he said.

Also, read this

Over 100 children die in Parachinar due to medical crisis from prolonged road blockades, TV channel claims

KP apex committee to dismantle all Kurram bunkers, collect heavy weapons

16 soldiers martyred in terrorist attack on check post in KP’s South Waziristan: ISPR

“Our civil and military leadership is fully aware of India’s strategies to shift focus from its own problems,” he stressed.

“We will continue to defend our borders and uphold the rights of oppressed communities, particularly in occupied Kashmir, with unwavering resolve.”

“Our principled stance remains firm: we will continue to extend legal, diplomatic, and moral support to the oppressed people of occupied Kashmir,” he said.

The DG ISPR also addressed the strong training framework within the armed forces. He explained, “Training starts from the very first day of joining the Pakistan Army,” and mentioned that various training programs are consistently held to maintain high standards of readiness and professionalism.