5 Key Takeaways from DG ISPR’s Hard-Hitting Press Conference

Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif says political-criminal nexus fueling terrorism in KP; warns that no one’s politics can be above the State.

By Web Desk | October 10, 2025

PESHAWAR – Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry on Friday delivered a powerful press conference at Peshawar Corps Headquarters, reaffirming that Pakistan’s security and sovereignty are non-negotiable and cannot be compromised for political expediency.

Here are five key takeaways from his address:

1. The State above all: Lt Gen Sharif said the State cannot be left at the mercy of one man’s ambitions, adding that politics can never be greater than Pakistan’s national interests.

2. Political-criminal nexus in KP: He revealed that a nexus of political and criminal elements is actively supporting terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, providing shelter and funds to militant groups.

3. “Iron-hand” response to Afghan facilitators: The DG ISPR warned that all facilitators of foreign militants will face a strong response, urging them to surrender or face accountability.

4. National Action Plan revival: He stressed that terrorism persists because the National Action Plan (NAP) was never fully implemented. The revised plan — Vision Istehkam — will now be enforced to unite the nation’s counterterror narrative.

5. Accountability within and beyond: Lt Gen Sharif confirmed that a former DG ISI is facing court martial, emphasizing that the army’s internal accountability is based on facts, not politics.

Lt Gen Sharif concluded that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism will continue with full resolve — and that the “status quo will not continue.”