PESHAWAR: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated on Friday that any external aggression against Pakistan would be met with a “firm and severe” response, the military’s media wing said.
Speaking at a gathering with students and academics from universities in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lt Gen Chaudhry underscored the armed forces’ commitment to defending national sovereignty amid heightened regional tensions. His remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing frictions with Afghanistan over Islamabad’s long-standing concern about terrorist attacks allegedly emanating from Afghan territory. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to prevent militant groups from using Afghan soil to target Pakistani citizens and security forces; the Taliban deny those claims.
The DG ISPR also referenced recent military tensions with India. In May, the two neighbours experienced their most severe standoff in decades, culminating in a four-day escalation before agreeing to a United States-brokered ceasefire. The army has termed the period from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 end of operations as “Marka-i-Haq.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted domestic counterterrorism efforts, stating that “Pakistan has taken effective steps against terrorism and Fitna Al Khwarij,” a term used by state authorities to describe the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP resumed hostilities after a fragile ceasefire collapsed in November 2022, prompting a spike in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan targeting security personnel and law enforcement.
According to the ISPR, the meeting included discussions on the current security environment, Pak-Afghan relations and Marka-i-Haq. Students and faculty present paid tribute to martyrs and expressed support for the armed forces. Hazara University Vice Chancellor Dr Ikramullah Khan praised the military’s resolve and warned that terrorist elements seek to mislead youth, stressing the need for accurate information.
The ISPR recalled that on October 21, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had similarly vowed a “firm and decisive” response to any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. Analysts say diplomacy and robust security operations will be key to preventing escalation and protecting civilian populations across border regions.
