RAWALPINDI; Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond decisively to any external aggression, warning that any violation of the country’s sovereignty will be met with a “firm and severe” response.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the DG ISPR made these remarks while addressing a gathering of students and faculty members from various universities in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The session focused on Pakistan’s current security challenges, including cross-border terrorism, regional tensions, and the ongoing “Marka-i-Haq” conflict with India.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif stressed that Pakistan’s defense forces remain vigilant and capable of safeguarding national integrity. “The armed forces are fully committed to defending Pakistan. Any external aggression will be met with a firm and severe response,” he asserted.
Referring to internal security efforts, the DG ISPR highlighted Pakistan’s operations against terrorism and extremism, noting that the country had taken “effective steps against Fitna Al-Khawarij”— a term used by the state for militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
He reminded that since the TTP violated its ceasefire agreement with the government in late 2022, Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, targeting security personnel and law enforcement agencies.
The DG ISPR also discussed the broader regional context, especially Pakistan’s deteriorating relations with Afghanistan following multiple cross-border attacks. He reiterated Pakistan’s demand that the Afghan Taliban government take decisive action to stop terror outfits from using its soil against Pakistan. The Taliban authorities, however, have denied such accusations.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif further elaborated on Pakistan’s recent military standoff with India in May — described as the worst escalation in decades — which lasted four days before both sides agreed to a ceasefire, brokered by the United States. He said the conflict, which Pakistan has termed “Marka-i-Haq,” demonstrated the army’s operational readiness and unwavering resolve.
During the session, students and faculty members paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s defense. Vice Chancellor of Hazara University, Dr Ikramullah Khan, lauded the armed forces for their commitment and patriotism, calling their determination “a symbol of love for the nation.”
He warned against efforts by hostile elements to mislead youth through misinformation, emphasizing the importance of promoting “accurate and reliable information” to strengthen national unity.
The interaction concluded with a renewed pledge by students and academics to support the armed forces and uphold Pakistan’s sovereignty in the face of internal and external threats.
Earlier this month, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir had similarly declared that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity would be met with a “firm and decisive response,” underscoring the military’s zero-tolerance policy toward external aggression.
