ISPR talk

Thursday’s press briefing by the director general of ISPR, Lt-Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, ruled out the presence of no-go areas in the country. THE ISPR DG briefed the media on how security forces and law-enforcement agencies carried out 32,173 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against terrorists and their facilitators across the country in the first eight months of the ongoing year – of which 4,021 were carried out in the last one month. Balochistan remains a flashpoint in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against terrorism as security forces contend with groups exploiting the region’s historical grievances. While the press briefing did talk about the ‘sense of deprivation’ in Balochistan, acknowledging the deep-rooted issues that continue to fuel unrest, the DG was unequivocal in his message that terrorists would be dealt with an iron hand. However, the question remains whether a security-focused approach is enough to address the complex socio-political dynamics in Balochistan. Military operations, while necessary, must be complemented by meaningful political and economic reforms to address the underlying grievances of the Baloch people. Without this, the cycle of violence may persist, perpetuating instability in the province.

Another major issue raised in the briefing was the increase in terrorist activity in Pakistan following the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. This was anticipated by regional experts in 2021 when they had pointed out that the Afghan Taliban’s ascension would embolden the TTP. The situation has been further complicated by the use of US-made weapons left behind in Afghanistan, now being wielded by terrorists against Pakistani security forces. While the ISPR DG diplomatically ruled out any rift between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the reality is that the Afghan Taliban’s inaction against the TTP poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s internal security. The resurgence of cross-border terrorism underscores the need for a more robust and coordinated regional approach to counterterrorism, one that holds the Afghan Taliban accountable for their promises of peace and non-interference.

The lede of the press conference, however, was self-accountability within the military in light of Gen (r) Faiz Hameed’s arrest last month. The former ISI chief’s arrest, following accusations of violating the Army Act and working for personal gain, is being hailed by many as a landmark case in the military’s history. While the outcome of his trial remains uncertain, the fact that such high-profile internal accountability is being pursued has been seen as a promising sign. The ISPR briefing also emphasized that the army’s self-accountability process is ‘comprehensive, transparent, and time-tested’. This is particularly relevant in the case of Faiz Hameed, who has been linked to political machinations during his tenure. His alleged involvement in political activities has long been a point of contention, and many observers believe his arrest signals a shift in the military’s approach to dealing with individuals who overstep their professional boundaries. However, scepticism remains. Some critics argue that the court-martial process, shrouded in secrecy, may not result in the level of accountability the public expects. Others suggest that this case may be a step towards further scrutiny of individuals who have used military influence to shape political outcomes, including the possibility of a future trial for PTI founder Imran Khan. Although the DG downplayed such speculation by referring to it as a ‘hypothetical situation’, the implications of a Faiz-Khan connection cannot be ignored. Essentially, the military’s role in safeguarding the nation is as critical as ever but as ever it must be balanced with a commitment to internal reform and accountability, as evidenced by the trial of Faiz Hameed. The army’s assertion that it has no political agenda is crucial to maintaining the trust of the public at a time when many institutions face crises of legitimacy.