Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stated that good governance is critical for the security and stability of Pakistan, noting that national challenges cannot be resolved without it.
Speaking at a press conference on counterterrorism and security on July 31, 2026, the military spokesperson emphasized that if issues remain unresolved, action must be taken toward better governance. He urged politicians to provide awareness to the public rather than confusion and asserted that the will of the people should be reflected through the political process.
Internal Security and Governance
Regarding unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Lt Gen Chaudhry stated the state has remained very restrained
and acted wisely and prudently.
He noted that the electoral process would continue and accountability would be maintained under the law and the Constitution. The DG ISPR rejected descriptions of the Pakistan Army as an occupying force,
pointing out that approximately 100,000 Kashmiris are tied to the army, including two corps commanders from the region.
Addressing the situation in Balochistan, the ISPR chief stated that a sustained negative propaganda campaign has been waged against the state. He further clarified his view on the nature of the state, saying that a “hard state” is one where the law and Constitution are equal for every citizen, rather than one where the military runs the state.
Counterterrorism and Regional Relations
Lt Gen Chaudhry provided an overview of security operations, stating that security forces conduct an average of 194 operations daily, with 1,971 operations carried out specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that efforts to combat smuggling networks and terrorism will continue, though he noted that security forces and police cannot win wars without public support.
The DG ISPR also addressed relations with India, claiming that Pakistan settled its scores with the Indian Army in 2019 and 2025. He alleged that India has since attempted to create unrest within Pakistan by using the language of rights
to cloak its efforts. He further asserted that the ideological foundation of Pakistan remains intact despite the activities of Indian proxies.
Missing Persons and National Policy
Touching upon the issue of missing persons, the military spokesperson mentioned that the commission on missing persons has received 201 applications. He questioned the accuracy of the missing persons list, stating that it includes individuals who were killed during counterterrorism operations or those present in militant camps.
Additionally, the ISPR chief noted that the National Action Plan consists of 14 points agreed upon by all political parties. When asked about remarks from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi regarding the collapse of the existing governance system, Lt Gen Chaudhry declined to comment, characterizing them as personal opinions.
Worth a look
