Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Monday highlighted the critical need to address the escalating disinformation and propaganda targeting Pakistan's military.
He expressed these remarks during a press conference in Rawalpindi.
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
Referring to Pakistan's earlier major military operations, Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, which resulted in large-scale displacements, a reporter inquired if similar displacements would occur during the current operation, Azm-e-Istehkam.
In response, DG ISPR responded: “This is not a military operation but a comprehensive counter-terrorism initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and stability," adding, "Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is being politicised,"
He further clarified that Azm-e-Istehkam focuses on multi-domain functions aimed at ensuring enduring stability, rooting out the nexus of terrorism and crime, and combating violent extremism to create a peaceful environment.
Despite successful raids, he said that broader objectives like the regularisation of seminaries and tackling the illegal spectrum, which supports terrorism and crime, face obstacles.
He added that this year, security forces have conducted 22,409 intelligence-based operations, resulting in the elimination of 398 terrorists and the martyrdom of 137 officers and soldiers.
“Daily operations are ongoing, with 112 conducted each day,” Lt Gen Sharif reported.
Discussing challenges such as the slow progress in establishing Counter-Terrorism Departments at the provincial level and issues with unregistered religious seminaries, Sharif questioned whether it is appropriate for the military to handle tasks like the registration of seminaries, given the broader governmental context.
Political sabotage and propaganda
Lt Gen Sharif condemned the role of a “massive, illegal, political mafia” that he accused of attempting to sabotage the operation through misinformation, stating “The proliferation of conspiracy theories and misinformation online is deeply frustrating,” he said, highlighting the need for accountability in addressing digital propaganda.
DG ISPR criticised groups spreading false narratives to undermine the NAP’s success, noting that despite clarifications from the prime minister about the absence of “no-go areas,” misleading reports about displacement continue to circulate.
Lt Gen Sharif addressed the recent violence during a peace rally in Bannu. He clarified that the rally, intended to be peaceful, was disrupted by negative elements who engaged in violence and anti-state activities.
“The military’s response adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and was in line with legal directives,” he explained.
Regarding the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) sit-in, Lt Gen Sharif emphasised the importance of addressing the Palestine issue sensitively.
He noted that the state and military have a clear stance on Palestine and are providing aid while seeking resolution through dialogue. Sharif condemned fake news suggesting military involvement in the TLP sit-in.
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