Fight against terrorism is 'paramount', cannot be 'sacrificed at altar of anyone’s politics': army spokesperson

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, declared on Thursday that the fight against terrorism in Pakistan was "paramount" and could not be sacrificed for anyone's political interests. Chaudhry addressed a press conference to counter India's claims of neutralising a suspected link between the Pakistan Army and a terrorist killed in an encounter in Korag, India-occupied Kashmir.

He stated that different individuals may have varying opinions on combatting terrorism, and open discussions were necessary to find a solution.

Chaudhry emphasized that the fight against terrorism was an "enduring fight, and this has to be won." Pakistan, he said, was the "largest victim of terrorism" as it had been battling the menace for over two decades, with more than 100,000 lives lost and significant economic losses. The military spokesperson also mentioned that the political leadership had drafted and revised the National Action Plan (NAP) and the 'Azm-i-Istehkam' vision to address the issue.

When questioned about political leaders advocating for negotiations with the Afghan Taliban over terrorism, Chaudhry acknowledged that people could have different perspectives. However, he emphasized that there was no problem in discussing these thoughts and coming to a consensus on how to effectively combat terrorism. He urged the political leadership to follow the agreed consensual documents, which they had drafted.

Addressing the Indian-organized march to Islamabad planned by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on October 4, Chaudhry reiterated that the army had nothing to do with politics. He stated that the army would not answer any questions related to politics and emphasized that politics was reserved for political parties. Chaudhry firmly asserted that the fight against terrorism was paramount and could not be compromised for political gains.