ISLAMABAD: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has reiterated that any external aggression against Pakistan will be met with a “firm and severe” response, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing on Friday.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions with Afghanistan over Islamabad’s repeated demand that the Taliban prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Kabul, however, denies that any such activity is taking place from its territory.
Addressing a gathering of students and academics from universities in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty. “Any external aggression will be met with a firm and severe response,” he said.
He added that Pakistan has taken effective measures against terrorism and “Fitna al-Khawarij” — a term used by the state for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group ended a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022, after which Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Most attacks have targeted police, law enforcement personnel, and security forces.
The ISPR statement said the DG also spoke about the overall security situation, including Pak-Afghan relations and “Marka-i-Haq” — the title given by the Pakistan Army to the recent conflict period with India, stretching from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
In May, Pakistan and India faced one of their worst military standoffs in decades. After four days of intense escalation, both sides agreed to a ceasefire mediated by the United States.
During the interaction, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism. Students and teachers present at the session paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the country.
Vice Chancellor of Hazara University, Dr Ikramullah Khan, praised the military’s role in safeguarding national security, saying, “The Pakistan Army’s resolve is a metaphor for their love for the country.” He warned that “terrorist elements are attempting to mislead our youth” and emphasised the need to spread accurate and reliable information to counter disinformation.
The statement added that both students and teachers said the discussion helped dispel misinformation about the military and provided clarity on the current national and provincial security situation.
On October 21, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir had issued a similar warning, saying that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity would invite a “firm and decisive response.”
