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Pakistan’s military has categorically ruled out any future negotiations with terrorist groups, declaring that security forces will continue operations until militancy is eliminated. The announcement was made by Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during a detailed media briefing on the country’s security situation and ongoing counterterrorism campaign. The military spokesperson said there was no possibility of holding talks with terrorists. He stressed that the state would not negotiate with those involved in violence against Pakistan. According to him, terrorists have only two choices: surrender before the law or face decisive action by the country’s security forces. Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces would continue to engage directly with the people of Balochistan instead of individuals or groups involved in violence. He emphasized that the people of the province are the true stakeholders and that the military remains committed to protecting their lives and supporting their development. He also criticized certain influential elites and tribal leaders, claiming they had failed to promote the welfare of ordinary people. According to him, some powerful groups do not want children from poor families to progress through education and development. The military spokesperson further alleged that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan was providing support to terrorist groups carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. He said cross-border militancy remains one of the country’s major security challenges and continues to complicate efforts to maintain peace. Rejecting claims that the security situation in Balochistan is rapidly deteriorating, Lt Gen Chaudhry said a coordinated propaganda campaign was being carried out to create a false impression about conditions in the province. He maintained that while security challenges exist, the state is actively responding through intelligence-based operations and law enforcement measures. Speaking about Balochistan, he said the province’s unique geography presents operational challenges. Its vast territory, scattered population, and long distances between security posts require extensive coordination and resources. He added that security forces are dealing not only with terrorism but also with organized criminal activities, including drug trafficking, fuel smuggling, robbery, and other illegal networks that threaten stability. Addressing the issue of missing persons, the military spokesperson said the relevant commission had received hundreds of complaints. However, he noted that investigations had revealed that some individuals listed as missing were later found to have been killed during security operations, while others had joined militant organizations and were living in terrorist camps. Lt Gen Chaudhry presented detailed statistics on the country’s counterterrorism campaign. He said security forces have carried out 40,348 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan during the current year. These operations resulted in the killing of 2,084 confirmed terrorists, averaging approximately 10 militants eliminated every day. He added that security forces conduct nearly 194 operations daily as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the main focus of these operations, with 1,971 intelligence-based missions conducted in the province alone. The military also shared figures regarding casualties suffered during the ongoing campaign. According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, 819 people embraced martyrdom during the year. These included 303 personnel of the Pakistan Army, 194 members of law enforcement agencies, and 322 civilians who lost their lives in terrorist attacks and security-related incidents. The ISPR chief further revealed that 28 suicide attacks had been recorded across Pakistan during the current year. He claimed Afghan nationals were involved in the recent suicide attacks in Tank and Karachi, describing the incidents as evidence of continued cross-border terrorist involvement. Highlighting the importance of national unity, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan’s Constitution and legal system apply equally to every citizen. He stressed that loyalty to the state is a fundamental responsibility and said national peace, political stability, and economic development depend on a strong and secure Pakistan.

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said Pakistan must become a “hard state” where the Constitution and law are applied equally to everyone, stressing that strong governance is essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace. He rejected claims that the security situation in Balochistan is worsening, calling them part of a deliberate campaign to create a false perception about the province. Addressing a detailed press conference on Friday, the military spokesperson said Pakistan’s security forces continue to make significant gains against terrorism through sustained intelligence-based operations across the country. Lt Gen Chaudhry said a total of 40,348 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) have been carried out so far this year by the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies and civil armed forces. More than 31,000 of these operations were conducted in Balochistan, reflecting the state’s continued focus on restoring peace in the province. He said Pakistan recorded 3,145 terrorism-related incidents during 2026. Of these, 1,971 incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,148 in Balochistan and 26 in other parts of the country. The ISPR chief said security forces killed 2,084 confirmed terrorists during operations this year, describing it as the highest average in the country’s history. On average, around 10 terrorists have been eliminated every day, while nearly 200 intelligence-based operations are conducted daily. Highlighting the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism, Lt Gen Chaudhry said 819 Pakistanis lost their lives in terrorism-related incidents this year. The victims included 303 military personnel, 194 members of police and civil armed forces, and 322 civilians. He also revealed that 28 suicide attacks had taken place across the country during the year. According to him, most of these attacks involved Afghan nationals or individuals linked to groups operating from Afghan territory. The military spokesperson said the rise in terrorist attacks should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. Instead, he argued that militant groups have intensified attacks because of increasing pressure from proactive security operations and repeated battlefield setbacks. Lt Gen Chaudhry also accused the Afghan Taliban administration of allowing terrorist groups to operate from Afghan soil, claiming cross-border support remains a major factor behind terrorism inside Pakistan. Explaining his vision of a “hard state,” he said it does not mean military rule. Rather, it refers to a country where institutions function according to the Constitution, laws are enforced fairly, and no individual or group stands above the law. Referring to Article 5 of Pakistan’s Constitution, he said loyalty to the state and obedience to the Constitution are fundamental duties of every citizen. He added that discussions about rights must also include recognition of civic responsibilities. Speaking specifically about Balochistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the province’s real challenge lies with certain elites and tribal leaders who seek to preserve the existing power structure. He alleged that some influential groups oppose educational and economic progress because they fear losing their traditional influence. He further claimed that some individuals benefit from illegal activities, including smuggling and other criminal networks, and promote unrest whenever the state strengthens law enforcement or cracks down on such activities. The military spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan would not negotiate with terrorist groups or those using violence for political purposes. Instead, he said the armed forces would continue engaging directly with the people of Balochistan, whom he described as the province’s true stakeholders. Lt Gen Chaudhry also alleged that hostile foreign powers are attempting to exploit Balochistan’s strategic location and natural resources by supporting anti-state elements in collaboration with local actors opposed to reforms and development. Discussing the issue of missing persons, he said the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has received 10,901 complaints since its establishment. Of these, 9,372 cases have been resolved, with 4,896 individuals returning home, around 1,030 found in prisons, 308 confirmed dead, and nearly 2,400 complaints determined to be incorrectly reported. He added that 2,933 complaints originated from Balochistan, of which 2,767 have already been resolved.

Pakistan’s military has defended the state’s handling of unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the security situation in Balochistan, saying the government is exercising restraint while remaining committed to constitutional governance, counterterrorism efforts and national stability. Addressing a detailed press conference on Friday, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said political issues should be resolved through democratic and constitutional means, while security challenges require strong governance and public support. State urges constitutional path in AJK The military spokesperson said the state had acted with restraint in dealing with recent unrest in AJK, adding that the electoral process would continue without disruption. He stressed that the will of the people should be reflected through democratic institutions and that all individuals would be held accountable under the Constitution and the law. He said Pakistan remained committed to its long-standing position on Kashmir, describing the region as central to the country’s national policy. He also rejected claims that the Pakistan Army was an occupying force in AJK, saying security matters in the region were being handled by the AJK government, police and civilian law enforcement agencies. The DG ISPR alleged that India was attempting to fuel instability inside Pakistan through proxy campaigns and misinformation, while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions. Good governance key to national security Responding to questions about governance reforms, the military spokesperson said effective administration was essential for ensuring peace and long-term stability. He noted that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population required a review of administrative structures and said reforms should be debated and implemented through constitutional and democratic processes. He said an administrative reset could be considered if it helped improve governance, but emphasized that any changes must reflect the will of the people and remain within the legal framework. Referring to the National Action Plan, he said most of its objectives—including countering extremist narratives, stopping terror financing, improving institutional capacity and tackling smuggling—depended on strong governance rather than military action alone. Security operations intensify against terrorism The DG ISPR said security forces had significantly increased intelligence-based operations across the country during 2026, conducting thousands of operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks. According to him, more than 2,000 militants had been killed this year, while hundreds of security personnel and civilians had embraced martyrdom. He said the majority of recent suicide bombers were Afghan nationals and accused militant groups linked to the Afghan Taliban of supporting cross-border terrorism against Pakistan. He maintained that the rise in security incidents reflected a more aggressive counterterrorism strategy, with intelligence-led operations forcing militants into direct confrontation with security forces. Balochistan challenges linked to governance and propaganda Discussing Balochistan, the military spokesperson said the province’s security challenges stemmed from a combination of militancy, organized crime, entrenched elite interests and external interference. He argued that some influential groups resisted reforms to preserve their political and economic influence, while terrorist organizations exploited local grievances through propaganda. He highlighted ongoing development projects, including investments in education, healthcare, transport infrastructure and Gwadar’s development, saying the government had allocated substantial resources to the province. He also referred to data from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, stating that most reported cases had already been resolved while investigations into the remaining cases were continuing.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has strongly rejected Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s proposal for creating new administrative units, calling it an outdated idea that the people of Sindh would never accept. Speaking to reporters in Bhit Shah on Friday, Murad said he had heard the interior minister’s statement but was unsure what exactly he was referring to. He said if Mohsin Naqvi believes the current governance system has failed, he is free to present proposals, but the idea of creating new administrative units is an old suggestion that has already been debated. The chief minister said Sindh is the land of Sufi traditions and its people would not support such a move. He stressed that any proposal affecting the province should reflect the will of its people. Murad also pointed out that different political parties are governing different parts of the country. He noted that Punjab is ruled by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Balochistan has a coalition government, Sindh is governed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Commenting on the country’s youth, Murad said young people are Pakistan’s future and will lead the nation in the years ahead. He rejected any negative remarks about them, saying the youth are a valuable national asset and should be encouraged rather than criticised.

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks about Pakistan’s governance system reflected ongoing discussions on improving administrative efficiency through the creation of new provinces or administrative units, according to informed sources. Naqvi made the comments while addressing the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 on Thursday. During his speech, he described the country’s governance system as “broken” and urged political parties to develop a consensus on the issue of creating new provinces. His remarks triggered widespread debate among political leaders, analysts and journalists, with many questioning the message behind his statement. According to sources familiar with the matter, the minister’s comments should not be viewed as criticism of the federal government or as a sign of differences within the state institutions. Instead, they said the remarks were aimed at highlighting the need for administrative reforms to improve governance and ensure better delivery of public services. Speaking at the summit, Naqvi said the existing governance structure was no longer capable of addressing Pakistan’s growing challenges. He warned that unless major reforms were introduced, the country would continue discussing the same problems even after another 10 years. The interior minister stressed that Pakistan needed a long-term solution rather than temporary measures. He said the issue of creating new administrative units should be placed before the people so that a national consensus could be developed through public debate. Naqvi also referred to the prime minister’s reported long working hours, saying that working 18 to 20 hours a day reflected commitment but could not permanently solve structural governance problems. He said such efforts were similar to dealing with emergencies instead of addressing the root causes of the country’s administrative challenges. His remarks immediately sparked political speculation in Islamabad. Some observers interpreted the statement as an acknowledgment that the current governance model was not delivering the desired results. Others suggested the comments reflected dissatisfaction with the existing administrative structure. Some political analysts also linked the statement to speculation about differences between the civil government and the military establishment. However, informed sources firmly rejected that interpretation. A source with knowledge of the matter said there was no disagreement between Islamabad and Rawalpindi regarding the issue. The source emphasized that Naqvi’s speech was focused solely on promoting the idea of administrative reforms through the establishment of additional administrative units. According to the source, the purpose of the remarks was to encourage discussion among policymakers, political parties and the public about whether Pakistan should adopt a new administrative framework to improve governance across the country. Observers believe supporters of the proposal argue that Pakistan’s existing provincial structure has become too large and complex to effectively manage the country’s administrative and development needs. They maintain that smaller provinces or administrative units could bring government institutions closer to the people, improve service delivery, strengthen local administration and make governance more efficient.

The 99th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was commemorated at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, with senior Pakistani and Chinese officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong attended the ceremony as the chief guest. China’s Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, officials from the Chinese Embassy, and senior officers from Pakistan’s armed forces were also present at the event. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir welcomed the Chinese delegation and congratulated the PLA on completing 99 years of service. He praised the Chinese military’s role in strengthening China’s defence capabilities, supporting national development and contributing to international peace and security. Highlighting the close relationship between Pakistan and China, Field Marshal Munir said the friendship between the two countries is based on mutual trust and has remained strong despite changing regional and global challenges. He described the Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA as reliable partners, saying both sides share a commitment to regional stability, peace and the protection of common strategic interests. During the ceremony, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked the Pakistani leadership for hosting the event and appreciated the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Islamabad and expressed commitment to further expanding the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two countries. The ceremony reflected the longstanding defence ties between Pakistan and China, with both sides emphasizing continued cooperation, strategic coordination and joint efforts to promote regional security.