On November 3, 2025, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), addressed senior journalists in a media briefing. The session focused on pressing security concerns, including relations with Afghanistan, potential threats from India, counter-terrorism efforts, and clarifications on international allegations. This briefing comes amid ongoing border skirmishes and diplomatic talks, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty while urging regional cooperation.
- Afghanistan’s assurances are secondary to action against terrorism: Reports indicate that DG ISPR emphasized eliminating terror threats over any conditions set by Kabul, with evidence pointing to Afghan involvement in cross-border activities.
- Denial of US drone access: Pakistan has no agreement allowing US strikes from its territory, rejecting Afghan claims as baseless and stressing non-interference.
- Alert on potential Indian false flag operation: Intelligence suggests India may stage an incident at sea to malign Pakistan, with armed forces prepared for a strong response.
- Gaza peacekeeping decision rests with civilian leadership: Any role in a Gaza force would be decided by the government and parliament, not the military alone.
- Counter-terrorism successes and challenges: Over 1,600 terrorists eliminated, but nexus with narcotics and local elements persists, calling for broader regional accountability.
Border and Terrorism Updates
The briefing shed light on recent clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which escalated after an October 11 attack from Afghan soil. Pakistan’s response targeted militant camps, resulting in significant casualties among foreign fighters and Afghan forces. Diplomatic efforts, including a ceasefire agreed in Doha and follow-up talks in Istanbul, aim to establish monitoring mechanisms for cross-border security. However, DG ISPR made it clear that Pakistan prioritizes concrete actions against groups like TTP and BLA over verbal assurances.
Regional Threats and Preparedness
Addressing potential provocations from India, the spokesperson highlighted evidence of maritime-based false flag risks, underscoring the armed forces’ vigilance across land, sea, and air. This comes alongside denials of any US-Pakistan drone deal, reinforcing Pakistan’s policy against allowing its territory for external aggression.
Broader Implications
The discussion also touched on narcotics smuggling tied to terrorism, with poppy cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yielding high profits and involving local stakeholders. On Gaza, the military deferred to political authorities, maintaining a neutral stance on international deployments.
In a significant media interaction on November 3, 2025, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s security landscape to senior journalists. This briefing, held amid heightened regional tensions, covered critical topics such as Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, counter-terrorism operations, potential threats from India, allegations regarding US drone strikes, and discussions on international peacekeeping efforts like those in Gaza. Drawing from official statements and corroborated by multiple news outlets, the session underscored Pakistan’s unwavering focus on national sovereignty, the elimination of terrorism, and the need for accountable regional partnerships. While the military’s role was presented as defensive and supportive of diplomatic channels, the briefing also highlighted evidence-based concerns about external provocations and internal challenges like narcotics-linked militancy.
The core of the briefing revolved around Pakistan’s strained ties with Afghanistan, particularly in the context of recent border hostilities. Lt Gen Chaudhry dismissed the significance of any conditions imposed by the Afghan Taliban, asserting that only the complete eradication of terrorism holds value for Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan’s security is assured by its own armed forces, not by guarantees from Kabul, and reiterated that Islamabad has never endorsed or celebrated the Taliban’s rise to power. This stance stems from ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, where Pakistani forces have eliminated 1,667 terrorists, many linked to banned outfits like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Evidence presented during the session included identification cards of Afghan nationals and soldiers involved in attacks on Pakistan, the same material shared with Afghan officials in Doha.
Border skirmishes have intensified since an October 11 attack from Afghanistan, leading to multiple incidents and Pakistani strikes on militant camps associated with groups like the Gul Bahadur faction. In recent clashes over the past three to four months, 112 foreign fighters were killed, with approximately 60% identified as Afghan nationals, and reports indicate 206 Afghan army soldiers were also casualties. Lt Gen Chaudhry noted that Pakistan delivered a “befitting response” to these aggressions, achieving desired outcomes, and firmly stated there would be no negotiations with terrorists. Diplomatic progress includes a temporary ceasefire agreed upon in Doha on October 19, with commitments to respect sovereignty, and subsequent talks in Istanbul on October 25 aimed at creating mechanisms for lasting peace and monitoring anti-terror actions. However, he criticized the Afghan Taliban for failing to honor the Doha agreement, including promises of a Loya Jirga and representative government, urging them to control terrorism originating from their soil.
A notable aspect of the briefing was the exposure of a nexus between terrorism and criminal activities, particularly narcotics. Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that terrorists profit from opium cultivation, earning between Rs1.8 million to Rs3.2 million per acre, with around 12,000 acres under poppy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This involves local politicians, warlords, and even entire populations in some areas, with drugs smuggled from Afghanistan into Pakistan and beyond. Counter-narcotics operations, involving drones, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and Frontier Corps, have targeted cultivation and processing sites as part of broader anti-terror campaigns.
On international allegations, the DG ISPR categorically denied claims by the Afghan Taliban that Pakistan permits US drone strikes from its territory, labeling them as “completely false” and emphasizing no such agreement exists between Islamabad and Washington. He stressed Pakistan’s policy of non-interference and sovereignty, noting that the country has made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and will not allow its land to be used against others. This denial aims to counter misinformation that could strain bilateral relations and distract from shared goals of stability.
Turning to India, Lt Gen Chaudhry warned of a potential false flag operation via maritime routes, intended to propagate falsehoods about strikes on Pakistan. He cited evidence indicating such plans and affirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully alert and prepared to respond decisively—more severely than before—across land, sea, and air domains. This alert reflects broader concerns about external provocations, with accusations that elements in Afghanistan provide safe havens for Baloch militants and use civilian areas as shields.
Regarding potential involvement in a Gaza peacekeeping force, the spokesperson clarified that such decisions fall under the purview of the government and parliament, not the military independently. This measured response aligns with Pakistan’s preference for political settlements in international conflicts while keeping options open for further measures if diplomacy fails.
Social media echoed the briefing’s key messages, with official and news accounts sharing highlights and videos. For instance, PTV News posted about the media interaction, while users like OsintTV and Mohsin Ali amplified warnings about India’s alleged plans. Dawn.com and The Nation also reported on Afghanistan-related statements, reinforcing the official narrative.
To organize the diverse topics covered, below is a table summarizing key statements by theme:
| Theme | Key Statements | Supporting Details/Quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan Relations | Conditions from Kabul irrelevant; focus on terrorism elimination. No talks with terrorists. | “The guarantors of Pakistani security are the armed forces, not Afghanistan.” Evidence of Afghan involvement shown. |
| Border Clashes | 206 Afghan soldiers, 112 foreign fighters killed in recent operations. Ceasefire and talks ongoing. | Clashes began October 11; Doha ceasefire on October 19. |
| Narcotics and Terrorism | Poppy cultivation profits Rs1.8-3.2M per acre; local involvement. Operations destroying fields. | 12,000 acres in KP; nexus with warlords and politicians. |
| US Drone Allegations | No agreement or permission for strikes from Pakistan soil. | “This allegation is false.” |
| India Threats | Possible false flag via sea; forces alert for severe response. | “India can do whatever it wants… response will be more severe.” |
| Gaza Peacekeeping | Decision by govt and parliament. | Deferral to civilian leadership. |
This briefing not only clarifies Pakistan’s positions but also calls for responsible regional behavior to foster peace. While preferring negotiations, Lt Gen Chaudhry indicated readiness for other measures if needed, framing military actions as targeted and defensive. Overall, it reflects a balanced approach: assertive on security, open to dialogue, and committed to countering misinformation for long-term stability in South Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Pakistan’s view on conditions set by Afghanistan regarding security?
Conditions from Kabul hold no significance; only the complete elimination of terrorism matters to Pakistan, as the armed forces guarantee national security, not external assurances.
Has Pakistan ever supported or celebrated the Afghan Taliban’s rise to power?
No, Islamabad has never endorsed or celebrated the Taliban’s arrival, maintaining a neutral stance while urging them to control terrorism from their soil.
What progress has Pakistan made in counter-terrorism operations?
Over 1,667 terrorists from groups like TTP and BLA have been eliminated in ongoing intelligence-based operations, though challenges persist with nearly 200 Pakistani personnel lost.
Is there any agreement allowing US drone strikes from Pakistani territory?
Absolutely not; DG ISPR categorically denied such claims as “completely false,” emphasizing no pact exists and Pakistan’s soil won’t be used for attacks on others.
What warnings were issued regarding potential threats from India?
Intelligence suggests India may stage a false flag operation via sea routes to malign Pakistan, with forces on high alert for a decisive, severe response if provoked.
Who decides on Pakistan’s potential role in a Gaza peacekeeping force?
Such decisions rest solely with the civilian government and parliament, not the military, highlighting a separation of roles in international commitments.
How is narcotics linked to terrorism according to the briefing?
There’s a strong nexus, with terrorists profiting Rs1.8-3.2 million per acre from opium cultivation in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, involving warlords, locals, and smuggling networks.
What recent developments occurred in Pakistan-Afghanistan border relations?
Following clashes starting October 11, a ceasefire was agreed in Doha on October 19, with Istanbul talks on October 25 aiming for monitoring mechanisms, but Pakistan demands action against cross-border terrorism.
Has evidence been presented of Afghan involvement in attacks on Pakistan?
Yes, identification cards of Afghan nationals and soldiers were shown to journalists and shared with Afghan officials in Doha, proving their role in terrorist activities.
Will Pakistan negotiate with terrorists?
No negotiations will occur; instead, a “befitting response” has been given to aggressions, yielding desired outcomes, with calls for Afghanistan to hand over fleeing militants for legal action.
