10 Takeaways from DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s Explosive Press Conference

In a rare and strongly worded press briefing from Peshawar Corps Headquarters, Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry delivered a blunt message: “Pakistan’s security and sovereignty are non-negotiable.” His address, widely seen as a response to mounting political and security challenges, outlined the army’s stance on terrorism, politics, and cross-border threats.

Here are the 10 key takeaways from his press conference:

1. State above all — The general declared the state cannot be held hostage to any single man’s will, directly blaming political mismanagement for the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

2. Politics must not outweigh national interest — He warned that no political agenda or personal ambition can supersede Pakistan’s unity and stability.

3. ‘Iron hand’ against Afghan facilitators — Lt Gen Sharif vowed to deal strictly with those aiding foreign militants, urging them to surrender or face full military action.

4. End of the status quo — The army will no longer tolerate complacency or appeasement in dealing with militant networks.

5. Political-criminal nexus in KP — A powerful alliance of political and criminal actors allegedly fuels terrorism in the province, he said, providing militants with protection and resources.

6. Smuggling and refugee issues linked — The DG ISPR accused vested interests of using the Afghan refugee narrative to shield illegal arms and smuggling operations.

7. National Action Plan (NAP) neglected — He stated that terrorism persists because NAP was never fully implemented and called for strict enforcement under the revised strategy, Vision Istehkam.

8. Unified national stance needed — Lt Gen Sharif urged political leaders, the media, and the public to back a single, united anti-terror narrative.

9. Former ISI chief under trial — Confirming speculation, he revealed that a former DG ISI is facing a court martial, emphasizing the army’s commitment to accountability based on facts, not perceptions.

10. Terror sanctuaries in Afghanistan — He said concrete evidence points to militant bases across the Afghan border, warning that Pakistan will act decisively to defend its people.

Lt Gen Chaudhry reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army’s loyalty lies with the Constitution and the state, not with any political party or personality. His words signaled a clear shift toward a more assertive stance against both internal political manipulation and cross-border militancy.