RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military has ruled out any possibility of negotiations with terrorist groups, saying security forces will continue nationwide counter-terrorism operations until militancy is completely eliminated.
Speaking at a comprehensive press briefing on the country’s security situation, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said there was “no room for talks with terrorists,” adding that militants must either surrender or face military action. He said the state’s policy remains unchanged and that those involved in attacks against civilians and security personnel would not receive any concessions.
The briefing focused primarily on the security situation in Balochistan, where the military said intelligence-based operations are continuing against militant groups that Islamabad alleges receive external support.
Pakistan Reaffirms No Negotiations With Terrorist Groups
Addressing journalists, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan’s security forces would continue pursuing militants wherever they operate and would not enter into negotiations with armed groups engaged in violence against the state.
He said terrorists now understand that security forces will not show leniency and that the only options available to them are to surrender unconditionally or face decisive action during security operations.
According to the DG ISPR, the armed forces remain committed to restoring peace across the country while protecting civilians and national infrastructure from terrorist attacks.
Military Presents 2026 Counter-Terrorism Operations Data
During the briefing, the military also released updated figures on counter-terrorism operations conducted across Pakistan during 2026.
According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, security forces have carried out 40,348 counter-terrorism operations nationwide so far this year.
He said:
31,080 operations were conducted in Balochistan.
7,177 operations took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
2,091 operations were carried out in other parts of Pakistan.
The DG ISPR stated that these operations resulted in the deaths of 2,084 militants, while 819 security personnel and civilians were martyred during the same period.
Presenting the figures, he said the statistics reflected the scale of Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and demonstrated the military’s continued operational focus on areas most affected by militant violence.
Balochistan Remains the Primary Focus of Security Operations
Lt Gen Chaudhry said Balochistan continues to receive the largest share of counter-terrorism operations because of persistent militant activity in the province.
According to the military, intelligence-based operations, area sanitization missions and targeted actions are being conducted regularly to dismantle militant networks and prevent future attacks.
The DG ISPR said the military had shared operational evidence with journalists during the briefing, including material intended to illustrate the impact of terrorism on local communities and security forces operating in the province.
He said the information presented also included accounts from citizens affected by militant violence and statements from families who had publicly distanced themselves from individuals involved in terrorism.
Military Identifies BLA as Key Militant Group in Balochistan
During the press conference, Lt Gen Chaudhry specifically referred to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) while discussing the security situation in Balochistan.
He said Pakistan uses the term “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” to describe what it alleges are India-backed militant networks operating inside the province, including the BLA.
According to the DG ISPR, security operations have been directed against these networks as part of broader efforts to improve security and dismantle militant infrastructure.
He further alleged that the groups receive external support and use various methods to recruit members, including women.
India has repeatedly denied supporting militant violence inside Pakistan. No immediate response from Indian authorities was available regarding the allegations made during Friday’s press briefing.
Security Challenges Continue Across Multiple Regions
The military spokesperson said Pakistan continues to face security threats from multiple militant organizations operating in different regions of the country.
According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, counter-terrorism operations are being conducted on a daily basis through intelligence-based actions designed to disrupt militant planning before attacks can take place.
He said maintaining pressure on terrorist networks remains essential for protecting civilians, strengthening national security and preventing militants from reorganizing.
The DG ISPR added that Pakistan’s security institutions would continue working alongside law enforcement agencies to address evolving security challenges while expanding intelligence-led operations where necessary.
Military Links Balochistan Violence to ‘Fitna-ul-Hindustan’
During the briefing, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan’s security forces are continuing operations against what the state describes as “Fitna-ul-Hindustan,” a term officially used by Pakistani authorities for militant groups they allege receive support from India and operate primarily in Balochistan.
According to the DG ISPR, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is among the organizations included under this designation. He said the military had presented journalists with material that it described as evidence of militant activities, including testimonies from people affected by terrorism and statements from families who, according to the military, have publicly disowned relatives involved in militant groups.
The military spokesperson said these operations are intended to dismantle militant infrastructure, disrupt recruitment networks and improve the overall security situation in Balochistan.
Indian authorities have consistently rejected Pakistan’s allegations of supporting militant groups operating inside the country. No immediate response from New Delhi was available following the DG ISPR’s latest remarks.
Military Alleges External Support for Multiple Militant Networks
Lt Gen Chaudhry also alleged that India supports not only groups operating under the designation of “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” but also “Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” the term Pakistani authorities use for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated militant organizations.
According to the DG ISPR, these groups continue to pose security challenges in different parts of Pakistan despite sustained military operations over recent years.
He said Pakistan’s security institutions remain focused on identifying and dismantling networks involved in planning, financing and facilitating terrorist attacks.
The military spokesperson further alleged that militant organizations have adopted new methods of recruitment, including the use of women in certain operations. He claimed that some women were recruited through so-called “honey trap” tactics, though no additional evidence was publicly presented during the press briefing to support the allegation.
105 Attacks on Police and Levies Personnel Reported
Sharing additional security data, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the military had documented 105 attacks targeting police officers and Levies personnel in Balochistan.
He attributed these attacks to militant organizations operating in the province and said security forces, police and civilian law enforcement agencies continue to work jointly to counter such threats.
According to the military, improving coordination between intelligence agencies and provincial security institutions remains a key part of Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism strategy.
The DG ISPR paid tribute to police officers, Levies personnel and members of the armed forces who have lost their lives while carrying out security duties, describing their sacrifices as vital to maintaining peace and stability.
DG ISPR Criticizes Role of Some Tribal Chiefs
A significant portion of the briefing focused on governance issues in Balochistan.
Lt Gen Chaudhry alleged that certain tribal chiefs have contributed to instability in the province by prioritizing personal political and financial interests over public welfare.
According to him, some influential figures seek greater control over provincial and federal development funds and become resistant when those demands are not met.
The DG ISPR also claimed that some tribal leaders attempt to exercise influence over the Levies Force, including matters related to recruitment, salaries and administrative control.
He further alleged that certain business networks linked to influential individuals have facilitated smuggling activities in border areas.
No independent evidence was presented during the briefing to substantiate these claims, and no immediate responses from the tribal leaders mentioned in general terms were available.
Military Calls for Greater Development in Balochistan
Lt Gen Chaudhry argued that long-term peace in Balochistan requires both sustained security operations and socio-economic development.
He said the province’s challenges cannot be addressed through military action alone and stressed the importance of expanding access to education, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
According to the DG ISPR, denying education and development to poorer communities contributes to long-term instability and limits opportunities for future generations.
He said Pakistan’s institutions remain committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving living conditions across the province alongside ongoing security measures.
Constitution Cited as Basis for State Policy
During the press conference, Lt Gen Chaudhry referred to Article 5 of Pakistan’s Constitution, saying it establishes that loyalty to the state is a constitutional obligation for every citizen.
He said the Constitution and the country’s laws apply equally to all Pakistanis regardless of political affiliation or social status.
According to the DG ISPR, public discussions about constitutional rights should also recognize the responsibilities that accompany those rights.
Without naming specific parties, he remarked that some political groups frequently emphasize rights while giving insufficient attention to constitutional duties and responsibilities.
Counter-Terrorism Strategy Remains Unchanged
The military spokesperson said Pakistan’s counter-terrorism policy continues to focus on intelligence-led operations, inter-agency coordination and sustained action against militant organizations.
He said security forces will continue conducting operations wherever intelligence identifies terrorist activity, adding that the objective remains the complete dismantling of militant networks operating inside the country.
According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, maintaining continuous operational pressure has become a central element of Pakistan’s security strategy in recent years, particularly in regions facing persistent militant threats.
