Rawalpindi (Staff Reporter)
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stated that the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan are aimed at eliminating terrorists and their facilitators, not harming innocent civilians. He emphasized that sustainable peace can only be achieved with active public participation, especially when citizens themselves identify and report terrorist elements.
He made these remarks during a special interactive session with students from Balochistan, held under the ISPR’s ongoing internship program. The session featured in-depth discussions on topics related to Pakistan in general and Balochistan in particular, while students were given comprehensive answers to their questions.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif highlighted that vacating an area temporarily does not resolve the issue. True success lies in community engagement and partnership with the state. If a civilian shelters terrorists or stores explosives in their home, they must face the consequences, he asserted.
The DG ISPR clarified that punishing an entire village or community for the actions of a single individual is unjust. He noted that the people of Balochistan are now proactively identifying terrorists and their supporters because they have grown weary of violence. Their cooperation has led to more effective and intelligence-based operations, which deliver long-lasting results.
Praising the wisdom, awareness, and patriotism of the people of Balochistan, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry said that the province’s youth, children, and women are now taking ownership of their future. He cited the example of renowned Baloch scientist Samad Yar Jung, an alumnus of Biladah School and graduate of Cambridge University, as a symbol of the region’s talent and potential.
He also reiterated that Pakistan was founded on the principles of unity and the teachings of the Kalima (Islamic creed), and that Balochistan’s ethnically diverse population shares a strong commitment to the development of both the province and the country.
The session also shed light on the sacrifices of Pakistan Army personnel, including the services of Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, and ongoing efforts in counter-terrorism operations.
Concluding the discussion, the DG ISPR emphasized that lasting peace in Balochistan is only possible through close cooperation between the public and the administration.
