'Everything necessary will be done': Military spokesman reaffirms Pakistan's right to self-defence against Afghanistan-based terrorism

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations, reaffirmed the nation's right to self-defence against terrorism originating from Afghanistan during a press briefing. He emphasized that "everything that is necessary" will be done to counteract the rise in terrorist activities, particularly since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) abandoned a ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

The military spokesman clarified that the government has classified the TTP as Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term reserved for the most dangerous enemy, and directed the use of the word khariji for attackers. This stance was highlighted in response to Indian media reports suggesting an individual connected to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack had been killed in an "encounter" within occupied Kashmir.

Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan's policy remains focused on protecting the country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security from any threats, regardless of the circumstances. He also questioned the Afghan Taliban's role in sponsoring terrorism, specifically asking where Bashir Zeb and Noor Wali, key figures in the conflict, were hiding.

The DG ISPR further criticized the Afghan Taliban regime as non-inclusive, non-representative, and non-elected, suggesting that it thrives on insecurity and oppression. According to Chaudhry, the Afghan Taliban has allied with various terrorist organizations, including AQIS, ISKP, ETIM, and IMU, among others. He also pointed out a meeting held on August 26 between the governor of Kandahar and several extremist groups, where the Taliban agreed to coordinate their efforts.

Chaudhry highlighted the stark contrast between the egalitarian and gender-equal Baloch Liberation Army and the khariji's treatment of women as "fodder, as cattle." He concluded by emphasizing that any country would take all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens, underscoring Pakistan's commitment to protecting its people.