PESHAWAR: The failure to effectively implement the National Action Plan (NAP), agreed upon by all political parties, is contributing to the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the DG ISPR said that the province has remained on the frontlines of Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign for the past two decades.
“When the frequency of terrorist incidents increased again in 2021, security forces launched a firm and effective response,” he stated. “More Khwarij have been eliminated in the recent past than in the last nine years combined.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the term “Fitna al-Khwarij” is used by the state for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adding that the group continues to target both civilians and security personnel.
He revealed that a total of 14,534 counterterrorism operations were conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024. During these operations, 917 personnel of the security forces were martyred, while 516 civilians lost their lives.
The DG ISPR began his address — streamed live on YouTube — by paying tribute to the “brave and resilient people” of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, acknowledging their sacrifices alongside the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the security forces are determined to eradicate terrorism and ensure lasting peace in the region, but emphasized that the full implementation of NAP remains crucial to countering the growing threat.
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