Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), delivered a press conference on Monday addressing the escalating organised propaganda against Pakistan’s military operations. In a candid discussion, he condemned a “massive, illegal political mafia” for attempting to undermine the state’s Azm-i-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) operation.
Counter-Terrorism campaign under fire
Lt. Gen. Sharif emphasised the Azm-i-Istehkam operation as a crucial, comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign endorsed by national consensus, contrary to claims that it is merely a military initiative. The operation aims to reinvigorate the National Action Plan (NAP), which was originally implemented to combat terrorism following a surge in attacks by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after they ended their ceasefire in November 2022.
“A narrative is being built that the operation would displace people,” said Lt. Gen. Sharif, refuting claims that the operation is causing widespread displacement. He reiterated that the operation’s sole purpose is to ensure national stability and security.
Organised propaganda and political interests
Lt. Gen. Sharif revealed that a politically motivated group is actively working to sabotage the operation. “A massive, illegal, political mafia rose to sabotage the operation and its first move was to make the operations controversial,” he stated, highlighting the vested interests of certain lobbies that are financially motivated to subvert the campaign.
He pointed out that these efforts to derail the operation are not rooted in any ideology but are driven by significant financial gains. “The stakes in [sabotaging] this operation are very high,” he noted, emphasising the importance of the operation for the country’s long-term stability.
National Action Plan and provincial responsibilities
Addressing the implementation challenges of the National Action Plan, Lt. Gen. Sharif stressed the need for effective provincial counter-terrorism departments to lead operations against terrorism. He also highlighted the incomplete regularisation and registration of religious seminaries, with only a fraction having been properly registered, raising concerns about the unknown status of many others.
Lt. Gen. Sharif questioned whether it was the army’s responsibility to address these gaps, pointing out that political parties had agreed to eliminate the illegal spectrum, which fuels criminal and terrorist activities through a significant illegal economy.
Bannu violence and political protests
The DG ISPR also addressed the recent violence in Bannu during a peace rally, which turned violent due to the presence of armed individuals within the march. He clarified that the army’s response adhered to standard operating procedures and emphasised that maintaining law and order falls under provincial jurisdiction, not the military’s.
Digital terrorism and fake news
In response to criticism and false narratives against the military on social media, Lt. Gen. Sharif condemned what he termed as “digital terrorism.” He expressed concern over the lack of action against individuals spreading falsehoods and propaganda online, which undermines the leadership of state institutions. He urged for stricter regulations and accountability to curb this growing threat.