Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has firmly dismissed the Afghan Taliban regime’s claims that Pakistan allowed the United States to carry out drone strikes inside Afghanistan.
Speaking to senior journalists in a closed-door briefing on Monday, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif called the accusation “completely baseless,” stressing that Pakistan has not allowed US drones to operate from its soil. “This allegation is false,” he clarified, adding that no agreement exists between Islamabad and Washington that would permit such attacks.
During the detailed briefing, the military spokesperson shed light on several pressing issues — including ongoing Pakistan Afghanistan border tensions, counterterrorism operations, and India’s hostile designs in the region. He emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to ensuring national security amid growing cross-border challenges.
Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that opium cultivation in Afghanistan continues to fund terrorist networks operating along the border. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s terrorism is linked to a narco-economy,” he noted, adding that the Frontier Corps, Anti-Narcotics Force, and local authorities have destroyed multiple poppy fields in the Tirah Valley.
According to the DG ISPR, around 12,000 acres in KP are under poppy cultivation, generating profits between Rs1.8 million and Rs3.2 million per acre. He warned that local politicians and other influential figures are involved in this illegal trade.
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In recent months, Pakistan’s security forces have intensified operations against militants, killing 112 foreign fighters — around 60% of whom were Afghan nationals. “In these actions, 206 Afghan army soldiers were also reported killed,” Lt Gen Chaudhry added.
Commenting on the deteriorating security situation, the DG ISPR blamed the Afghan Taliban for not fulfilling promises made in the Doha Agreement. “The Taliban pledged to hold a Loya Jirga and form a representative government, but that promise remains unfulfilled,” he said.
He stressed that Pakistan prefers dialogue to resolve Pakistan Afghanistan border tensions but warned that “if talks fail, we will consider other options.” Chaudhry also accused elements within Afghanistan of sheltering militants from Balochistan and using civilians as human shields to avoid Pakistani counterattacks.
Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir, who attended the briefing, said the DG ISPR presented evidence showing direct involvement of Afghan Taliban soldiers in terrorism inside Pakistan — the same proof previously shared during Doha talks.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also issued a strong warning about India’s alleged plans for a “false-flag maritime operation.” He claimed New Delhi might fabricate a major strike against Pakistan to divert attention from its internal issues. “We are fully alert and ready to respond,” he said, emphasizing that Pakistan’s actions are purely defensive and aimed at safeguarding territorial integrity.
The DG ISPR’s remarks highlight Pakistan’s growing concern over external threats and the need for regional stability. As Pakistan Afghanistan border tensions continue to rise, Islamabad appears determined to protect its sovereignty while keeping diplomatic channels open for peace.
