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Public Support Crucial for Anti-Terror Operations in Balochistan: DG ISPR
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif says anti-terror ops in Balochistan can only succeed when locals themselves identify militants, stressing the need for intelligence-based operations & community support.
ND
by News Desk
2025-08-16
Public Support Crucial for Anti-Terror Operations in Balochistan: DG ISPR

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has emphasised that counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan can only be fully effective when the local population actively assists by identifying terrorist elements in their midst.

Speaking at a session with students participating in the ISPR’s internship programme, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the importance of people’s support and intelligence-based operations in the fight against terrorism. “An operation in any area is successful when the people themselves identify the terrorists,” he said, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing on Saturday.

The security situation in Balochistan has deteriorated in recent months, with militants increasing both the frequency and intensity of their attacks. In February alone, almost 62 per cent of the terrorism-related deaths in the country were reported from the province.

During a spirited discussion with students—many of them from Balochistan—the DG ISPR addressed concerns and questions about the ongoing situation in the province. Responding to a query about the possibility of a major operation against terrorist outfits in Balochistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry said that the perception that the people of Balochistan are alienated from Pakistan is not accurate.

“The people of Balochistan understand very well their relationship with Pakistan, and they are now frustrated and fed up with these terrorists,” he noted. He urged the participants to visit Balochistan and witness firsthand the wisdom and resilience of its people.

Highlighting the success stories emerging from the province, Lt Gen Chaudhry cited examples such as Dr Yarjan Abdul Samad, a scientist from Balochistan who graduated from the University of Cambridge; karate champion Shahzaib Rind; and several women from the province who currently serve as deputy commissioners.

He paid tribute to Major Muhammad Anwar Kakar, calling him a brilliant officer and a true son of the soil who had fought bravely against terrorists, including playing a key role in countering the attack at Gwadar’s PC Hotel.

The DG ISPR clarified that military operations cannot simply rely on force alone. “It is not that the army vacates an area or conducts an operation—and as soon as the army leaves, the terrorists come back. We have to do everything with great understanding; that is why it is called an intelligence-based operation,” he stated.

Lt Gen Chaudhry further said the army has no desire to harm innocent civilians. However, he warned that any citizen who shelters terrorists or stores explosives in their home will have to face the consequences.

He stressed the need for close coordination between the military, local administration and citizens. “We have to work together with the people and administration of Balochistan,” he concluded, adding that an entire village should not be punished for the actions of one individual, and that the people of Balochistan are already standing up and resisting terrorism.
Tagged:

Balochistan

PakistanArmy

CounterTerrorism

DGISPR
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