Pakistan still stands today at a critical juncture where internal security, political foresight, military strength, and national unity have assumed decisive importance. This is not an ordinary time; rather, it is a phase in which enemy conspiracies and the planning of terrorist elements are openly coming to light.
The recent press conference by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, made it clear that terrorism is not merely a military issue but also a political and social crisis. To confront it, complete harmony between the state and the people is indispensable. In his statement, the DG ISPR drew attention to a bitter yet realistic point: 80 per cent of terrorist incidents have occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These figures are not mere statistics; they convey a clear message that certain political circles are involved in supporting terrorism, nurturing it, and providing a conducive environment for it. This is a serious reality that ignoring or trivialising would be against the national interest. It must also be remembered that terrorism is not confined only to weapons and explosives. Its roots extend to political interests, terrorist agendas, and at times the silence or criminal negligence of local administrations. The DG ISPR stated in clear terms that where political-terrorist collusion is taking root, incidents of terrorism are increasing. This is a severe blow to Pakistan’s political consciousness and civic responsibility, because on the internal front, the enemy is not acting alone; certain elements are facilitating it and attempting to undermine the country’s security.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasised an important point: the war against terrorism is not the war of a single institution, a single government, or a single political party; it is the war of the entire nation. For more than two decades, this war has been ongoing, and every Pakistani citizen, every state institution, and every member of the armed forces is part of it. Success against terrorism does not depend solely on military operations but also on national awareness, political maturity, and public cooperation.
He clarified that the year 2025 proved to be historic and result-oriented in the fight against terrorism. During this period, counterterrorism operations witnessed unprecedented intensity, and the enemy was forced to face its fragility and defeat. However, despite this, 27 suicide attacks occurred in the country, clearly indicating that the enemy continues to target Pakistan’s peace and stability. These figures serve as a strong warning that the threat has not yet ended and that vigilance, sustained action, and national unity remain essential. The DG ISPR also spoke openly about the role of terrorist elements present in Afghanistan.
It must also be acknowledged that terrorism spreads not only through guns and explosives but also through conspiratorial political behaviour and facilitators.
According to him, elements based in Afghanistan helped organise the TTP. This point is extremely serious for Pakistan’s national security, as Afghanistan has repeatedly been informed that its soil must not be used for anti-Pakistan activities. Unfortunately, due to the political silence and vested interests of certain circles, this situation continued. Similarly, a clear stance was taken on India’s role. The DG ISPR stated that India was disgraced in the “Battle of Truth,” and the failure of Operation Sindoor remains etched on its forehead even today. This statement is not only a warning to the enemy but also a source of national pride-that Pakistan possesses the capability to defend its sovereignty not only on the internal front but also against external threats. It is crucial to make one thing absolutely clear: the enemy’s instability cannot be countered by military power alone. It requires political insight, national unity, and a narrative that outright rejects terrorism, its facilitators, and every conspiratorial element. Another important reason for the rise of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is political terrorist collusion. Some political elements, for their temporary interests, support terrorism, adopt silence at the level of local government, and at times unnecessarily provide facilities to the enemy. This behaviour is not merely a political failure but a grave threat to national security.
The DG ISPR clearly stated that harmony between the state and the people is indispensable in the war against terrorism. If this harmony does not exist, if political interests are given precedence over national interests, terrorist elements will further flourish and damage Pakistan’s peace and stability. This point serves as a warning for every Pakistani citizen to recognise the seriousness of the threat and to demonstrate national unity and responsibility at every level.
The DG ISPR further clarified that the war against terrorism is the war of the entire nation, and state institutions are not limited to military operations alone. His briefing highlighted that counterterrorism measures have seen extraordinary intensity, and the enemy has repeatedly been made an example. This shows that the Pakistani state is not only vigilant but also fully prepared, both in military capability and strategic planning, to confront every threat. He added that terrorism is the greatest threat Pakistan currently faces. This threat not only affects human lives but also harms the country’s economy, peace and stability, and Pakistan’s international standing. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every citizen, every institution, and every political force to work with unity against terrorism and to foil the enemy’s conspiracies.
The DG ISPR’s statement makes it clear that success against terrorism cannot be achieved through military operations alone. Public awareness, national unity, and political maturity are essential. The military leadership has always emphasised that we must remain united against the enemy and that national security must never be compromised for any political or personal interest. It is also extremely important that the military leadership has not only taken action against the enemy but has also made the public a part of this war. The fight against terrorism belongs to the entire nation, and every citizen must play their role, rejecting every form of terrorist activity and fully cooperating with state institutions. The DG ISPR’s press conference conveys a clear message: enemy instability, terrorist activities, and political conspiracies pose serious threats to Pakistan, but Pakistan’s military strength, public awareness, and national unity are always ready to counter these threats. Despite the presence of terrorists in Afghanistan, Indian conspiracies, and the silence of certain internal elements, Pakistan achieved success in its counterterrorism operations in 2025, leaving the enemy chastened.
It must also be acknowledged that terrorism spreads not only through guns and explosives but also through conspiratorial political behaviour and facilitators. Therefore, at the national level, it is the responsibility of every citizen, political force, and institution to unite against terrorism, identify every conspiratorial element, and take practical steps to eliminate its impact.
The writer is a freelance columnist.