Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Tuesday addressed a press conference to provide a detailed overview of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts over the past year, describing terrorism as the most serious threat currently facing the country.
At the outset, the military spokesperson emphasised that the briefing was solely focused on counter-terrorism measures and urged that the discussion remain centred on the shared national challenge of combating violence and extremism.
Lt Gen Chaudhry described 2025 as a significant year in Pakistan’s long struggle against terrorism, noting that the fight has spanned more than two decades and involves the collective efforts of the state and its people.
He said the past year saw an unprecedented intensity in counter-terrorism operations and greater public clarity about the nature of militant groups and their lack of association with religion or national identity.
He added that Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorism, particularly the use of Afghan soil by militant groups, gained broader international recognition in 2025.
The year also saw renewed implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), with political consensus on the need to strengthen coordination and enforcement, though he acknowledged that gaps and areas for improvement still remain.
Sharing operational data, the DG ISPR said law enforcement agencies conducted more than 75,000 intelligence-based operations during 2025 across the country.
These efforts, he said, were aimed at preventing attacks, dismantling militant networks, and protecting civilians.
Despite these measures, violence continued to take a heavy toll. According to the data shared, thousands of terror-related incidents occurred last year, resulting in the loss of both civilian and security personnel lives.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remained the most affected regions, accounting for the vast majority of attacks and fatalities.
The DG ISPR also noted that while terrorist violence has increased since 2021, the ratio of militants neutralised compared to security personnel casualties has improved, reflecting more effective counter-terrorism responses.
However, he stressed that every life lost represents a profound human tragedy.
Addressing regional dynamics, Lt Gen Chaudhry said instability in Afghanistan following the 2021 political transition contributed to the resurgence of militant activity in the region.
He expressed concern that militant groups continue to find operational space and support beyond Pakistan’s borders, complicating efforts to restore lasting peace.
He concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to combating terrorism while underscoring the need for unity, resilience, and sustained cooperation among institutions and communities.
The ultimate goal, he said, remains the protection of innocent lives and the restoration of peace and stability for all Pakistanis.
