Islamabad: Director General Inter Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has asserted that illegal Afghan nationals are involved in terrorism and serious crimes within Pakistan. In an interview with a German magazine, he highlighted the longstanding presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, noting that the country has hosted millions of them for over 40 years. He emphasized that Pakistan has made extensive arrangements for their dignified return, extending deadlines multiple times on humanitarian grounds. Chaudhry pointed out that the primary reasons for initially providing refuge-foreign interference and civil war-are no longer prevalent.
According to Radio Pakistan, Chaudhry addressed concerns about American weapons left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which are reportedly being used in terrorist activities in Pakistan. He mentioned that the United States has also expressed concern over these weapons' use in such activities.
Chaudhry also commented on violent incidents in India, attributing them to the Indian government's growing extremist policies. He criticized India's approach of portraying internal issues as external and vice versa. The DG ISPR accused India of engaging in state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, citing credible evidence of involvement by serving Indian army officers. He mentioned that Pakistan has repeatedly presented evidence of Indian terrorism to the international community.
Regarding the Kashmir issue, Chaudhry called on the international community to actively participate in resolving this longstanding dispute. He reiterated Pakistan's stance against non-state actors, declaring that no group or individual other than the state has the authority to declare jihad.
Chaudhry further highlighted Pakistan's role as a frontline state in the war against terrorism, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made. He referenced the recent Pakistan-India conflict, Marka-e-Haq, where US President Donald Trump played a strategic leadership role. The DG ISPR noted that the United States has designated the banned Majid Brigade as a global terrorist organization.
In terms of international relations, Chaudhry stated that Pakistan maintains constructive and strategic relations with China, calling it a brotherly nation. Finally, he addressed the situation in Balochistan, stating that several terrorists killed there had been listed as so-called missing persons.