Military's stance on May 9 protests remains unchanged, says DG ISPR

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif reiterates war against terrorism will continue until the last militant is eliminated

Director-General (DG) of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has reaffirmed the military's unwavering stance on the violent protests that occurred on May 9, emphasising that those involved in the riots must be held accountable.

"Our position on May 9 is clear and remains unchanged, as stated in the May 7 press conference. There has been no shift in our stance, nor will there be,” he stated while addressing a presser from Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters (GHQ).

He also announced a strategic shift in its terminology, declaring that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will now be referred to as ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’ and its members as ‘Kharji’ or outcasts.

“This is because it is a mischief-making group; it’s neither an ideology nor has anything to do with Islam or Pakistan”, he asserted.

He reported that in the first seven months of 2024, 139 soldiers of Pakistan's security forces were martyred in the ongoing battle against terrorism, stating that the nation honours these brave martyrs and their families and reaffirming the commitment to continue the fight against terrorism until the last militant is eradicated.

"The armed forces are especially focused on the merged districts of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa," he stated.

Contribution to education and health

Referring to education, Lt Gen Chaudhry said "Digital education is also being provided to the youth,", emphasising that the Balochistan students are the country's future and a scholarship programme has been started for them.

He further revealed that the army is covering additional expenses for these students beyond their studies.

"About 92 schools are being run in Balochistan for better education and 19,000 are getting education from there," he added. Moreover, the army has also established 171 schools and three cadet colleges in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

He said that medical camps have also been set up in various districts, offering free treatment, and numerous projects are underway with the involvement of local and foreign companies.

Support for Kashmiris

On the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated the Pakistan Army's unwavering support for the people of IIOJK.

He condemned the inhuman lockdown, demographic changes, and human rights violations occurring in the region, highlighting their defiance of international law.

He further stressed that resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential for lasting peace. On this significant day, the Pakistan Army pays tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK and stands in solidarity with the Kashmiris in their struggle against injustice.

In his briefing, Lt Gen Sharif revealed that a total of 23,622 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have been carried out so far, including 2,045 operations in the last 15 days alone, resulting in the elimination of 24 terrorists.

The military spokesperson emphasised that the army, along with intelligence agencies, police, and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs), conducts over 100 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) daily.

“It is crucial to note that in the fight against terrorism, more than a hundred operations are conducted daily by the Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies, and police.” he stated.

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