Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR), Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban, stating they must choose between safeguarding their regime or facing destruction by allowing groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory.
In a television interview, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan did not initiate conflict with Afghanistan but was forced into confrontation due to terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil. He urged the Taliban to prevent their territory from being used against Pakistan, adding, “This will be the Taliban’s choice: whether their priority is the extremists or the security of Pakistan.”
Highlighting Islamic principles, the DG ISPR questioned the justification of suicide attacks in religion, noting that such acts are prohibited under Islamic law. He reminded that during the Doha talks, the Taliban had pledged not to allow Afghanistan to serve as a base for terrorism, but “no commitments have been implemented.”
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry stressed that terrorism cannot be tolerated in Pakistan, as the impact of attacks extends beyond victims’ families to society at large. He also noted that since the launch of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, cross-border terrorism has significantly declined.
While Pakistan continues to advocate for dialogue and the handover of terrorists, the DG ISPR warned that dialogue cannot coexist with acts of terrorism. He further linked the Afghan Taliban regime to both terrorism and narcotics and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combating militants, stressing that operations will continue with no rush to conclude.
