‘Massive Illegal Political Mafia’ Targeting State’s Stability, Says DG ISPR

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif accused a “massive, illegal political mafia” of attempting to undermine the state’s Azm-i-Istehkam operation to serve their own interests.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, Lt Gen Sharif stated that the purpose of the briefing was to clarify the army’s stance on several important issues, noting a recent increase in organized propaganda and false news targeting the armed forces. “That is why it is important to talk on these matters,” he emphasized.

Lt Gen Sharif provided updates on the counter-terrorism operations conducted this year, revealing that 22,409 intelligence-based operations had been carried out against terrorists and their facilitators. He highlighted that over 112 operations are being conducted daily by the military and law enforcement agencies.

When asked about potential displacement due to the government’s new Azm-i-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) operation, Lt Gen Sharif clarified that the initiative is a “comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign” formed through national consensus, rather than a military operation as it has been portrayed. He emphasized that the campaign aims to reinvigorate the existing National Action Plan.

“I will start by saying that our problem is that we are sacrificing even very important issues on the altar of politics and Azm-i-Istehkam is one such example of this,” he remarked.

Lt Gen Sharif condemned the narrative suggesting that the operation was launched to displace people, reiterating that its sole purpose is to bolster the National Action Plan and enhance stability in the country.