DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif stated on Monday that “Azm-e-Istehkam” is not a military operation. He explained that illegal political groups are attempting to undermine the National Action Plan for their own interests.

At a press conference, he addressed the recent surge in propaganda and false news against the military, clarifying that Azm-e-Istehkam is a counter-terrorism initiative driven by national consensus, not a military campaign as some have suggested. The goal of the campaign is to reinforce the existing National Action Plan rather than create displacement.

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DG ISPR criticized efforts by a “strong lobby” that is obstructing the National Action Plan, emphasizing that effective military operations are ongoing but facing challenges elsewhere. He noted that Counter-Terrorism Departments were supposed to be established at provincial levels as per decisions made in 2014 and 2021.

He also condemned misinformation on social media as “digital terrorism” and called for government action against it. The recent increase in terrorist attacks, particularly by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has raised concerns about security.