Indian state institutions, including army, driven by extremist ideology: DG ISPR

Islamabad – Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that while Pakistan generously hosted millions of Afghan refugees for more than four decades, the time has now come for their organized and dignified return. In an interview with a German magazine, he said the government had extended the repatriation deadline multiple times on humanitarian grounds, but the original reasons for asylum no longer exist.

He added that Pakistan has taken a systematic and respectful approach to the return process, ensuring it meets both legal standards and humanitarian needs. The DG ISPR revealed that some illegal Afghan nationals have been directly involved in terrorism and serious crimes within Pakistan, with strong evidence to support these findings. According to him, the presence of such elements poses a threat to national security, and their return must proceed without delay.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif also strongly criticized India, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan through state institutions. He claimed that serving Indian military and intelligence officers were involved in terrorist activities on Pakistani soil and that Pakistan had presented evidence of this to the international community multiple times. He argued that India’s internal political and social unrest is a result of extremist ideologies and that the Indian government frequently externalizes its problems by blaming Pakistan.

He urged the international community to take a more active role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, which he described as a major source of instability in the region. The situation in Indian-administered Kashmir continues to worsen under repressive policies, he added.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position against all non-state armed groups, the DG ISPR said there is no place for any banned outfit or private militia in the country. He stated that only the state has the authority to declare jihad and that individuals or groups attempting to do so would be dealt with under the law. Pakistan, he said, has acted as a frontline state in the global war on terror and has made enormous sacrifices for peace.

He also expressed concern over American weapons left behind in Afghanistan, which are now being used in terrorist attacks across the region. Even the United States, he said, has acknowledged this growing problem.

General Ahmed Sharif further noted that during past tensions between India and Pakistan, former US President Donald Trump played a significant role as a strategic mediator. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strong and constructive relationship with China.

On the issue of internal militancy, he confirmed that some terrorists killed in Balochistan were later found to be listed among the so-called “missing persons,” raising questions about false narratives spread by hostile elements.

In conclusion, the DG ISPR reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace, regional stability, and international cooperation, but will not compromise on its sovereignty and national security.