Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday revealed the military’s counter-terror report card for 2024, announcing that over 900 terrorists were killed in nearly 60,000 operations this year.
In his fifth media briefing of the year, the ISPR chief revealed that over 59,779 IBOs [intelligence-based operations] were carried out against terrorists during 2024. During these operations, 925 terrorists, including Khawarij, were killed and multiple others were apprehended.
“Pakistan has fought a long war against terrorism and is still fighting. It has rendered highly valued sacrifices in this fight,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said.
During various operations, he added, a significant quantity of weapons was recovered from terrorist hideouts, demonstrating the scale of the threat and the success of counter-terrorism efforts.
The ISPR chief also highlighted the tremendous cost being borne by the armed forces.
“Everyone must realise that our soldiers are paying the price for these decisions with their blood. Sixteen FC soldiers were martyred just six days ago. Does their blood hold no value?” he questioned while referring to the tragic incident that took place at a South Waziristan checkpost last Friday.
On Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) hideouts in Afghanistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry said terror roots were often traced back to the neighbouring country and Pakistan remained resolute to dismantle these terror networks without compromise.
“Networks operating from Afghan soil continue to target Pakistan, and we are resolute in eliminating them,” he said.
Responding to a journalist’s question about May 9 incidents, he stressed that it was not a case of the Pakistan Army but in fact that of “the people of Pakistan”.
Commenting on civilians’ trial in military courts and recent convictions, he said that the courts had received validation from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “Military courts were established decades ago and in accordance with the Constitution and law.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry made it clear that anyone who was involved in incidents like May 9 in the future would face the same consequences. “The accused can appeal against their convictions to the Army Chief, in high courts or the Supreme Court,” he added.
Addressing widespread criticism against military trials, the ISPR chief said that those who were now criticising military courts had previously supported them. “They are the ones who previously supported military courts,” he said.
“The process will continue till the planners and executers of May 9 are brought to justice,” he concluded.