Critics must answer now: has Army done its job or not, asks ISPR DG

ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Saturday strongly rebuked critics of the Pakistan Army’s role in national defence, urging them to now answer whether the armed forces have fulfilled their responsibility.

“You used to be told that they (army) do not do their job; now ask them, has the army fulfilled its duty or not?” the military’s spokesperson said during a special interactive session with students and teachers in Islamabad days after the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos against India’s unprovoked aggression.

Addressing the students directly, Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif asked them to reflect on past narratives. “Shouldn’t you now hold accountable those who used to speak against your soldiers and officers? ” he asked. “Who were they to speak against the very people defending this nation?”

Addressing the gathering, the DG ISPR said that no terrorist would be left standing in Pakistan when the people and the armed forces are united. He noted the significance of youth participation in national development and praised the unwavering spirit of the new generation. He added that Pakistan’s future is not only secure but also “bright and promising”.

“Pakistan is a cradle of peace, and our victory is a victory for peace itself,” he said, adding that the armed forces are fully aware of the enemy’s malicious designs and have always foiled such attempts through unity and resilience.

Lt Gen Chaudhry also saluted the teachers of the nation on behalf of the Pakistan Army and called for unwavering national unity against external threats. “Let us all stand and salute our teachers,” he said, adding, “This is a salute from the Pakistan Army to the educators of this nation.”

He also pointed out India’s involvement in backing terrorism within Pakistan, saying, “India is behind the terrorism you see in Pakistan today.”

He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army is a force drawn from the people. “This wall of steel is made up of you, the people of Pakistan. Neither we nor the generations to come will ever step back from defending this nation.” Separately, ISPR DG Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry appreciated Iran’s efforts and support for de-escalating tensions in South Asia. During an exclusive interview with IRNA, the DG ISPR said: “We are pleased with all the efforts of the international community and brotherly countries, especially Iran, which played a role in reducing tensions.”

Without naming any outlawed group operating in the border areas of Pakistan and Iran, the military spokesperson continued, “We should be aware that there are forces in the region who, with the help of external factors, are seeking to create misunderstanding and confusion among brotherly countries in the region and want to create a rift between friends and brothers.”

He emphasized that Iran and Pakistan enjoy historical and brotherly relations and always stand by each other in all challenges and trials. The ISPR DG said that Pakistan and Iran are two neighbouring and friendly countries that are in contact with each other on many issues and fields. “Pakistan is eager and pursues that the borders of the two countries are the borders of peace and friendship and we look forward to it,” he added. Referring to the important position of the two countries in the region, the military’s spokesperson said that Islamabad and Tehran were cooperating with each other for lasting peace and stability in the region.