Certain ‘political mafia’ making Azm-e-Istehkam controversial: DG ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry strongly condemned a planned propaganda campaign targeting the military’s counter-terrorism efforts under the banner of “Azm-e-Istehkam.”

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi on Monday, DG ISPR questioned, “Why did a mafia, political mafia, and an illegal mafia say that they would not let this [campaign] happen?”, adding that a certain political mafia wants to make Azm-e-Istehkam controversial.

“Azm-e-Istehkam is not a military operation. Why is Azm-e-Istehkam being made controversial? There’s a strong lobby that wants the objectives of Azm-e-Istehkam not to be fulfilled. It is being politicized.”

During a press conference, DG ISPR said, “Azm-e-Istehkam is a comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism campaign, not a military operation per se as it is being presented.”

Lt. Gen. Sharif highlighted the significant achievements of the armed forces, stating that 398 terrorists had been eliminated in various operations this year alone, with 22,409 operations conducted so far.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the military, with 137 personnel having embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, killing 398 terrorists including 31 most wanted.

The DG ISPR revealed that the committee identified shortcomings and approved a “re-energized” campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam.

He recalled that the country’s top security body, the Apex Committee, met on June 22 to discuss Azm-e-Istehkam. He claimed that the statement released after the meeting stated, “We have made an anti-terrorism policy with national consensus.”

The DG ISPR denounced the creation of a “false narrative” regarding the displacement of civilians during operations. He lamented the politicization of critical national security issues and highlighted a “strong lobby” working against the success of the National Action Plan (NAP), a counter-terrorism initiative launched in 2014 and revised in 2021.

Lt. Gen. Sharif emphasized the transparency of the military’s efforts and urged national unity in the fight against terrorism. He questioned the motives of a “political mafia” seeking to hinder the progress of Azm-e-Istehkam, urging Pakistanis to prioritize national security above political agendas.