On December 27, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the DG ISPR, offered a detailed assessment of the country’s security landscape.
The 2024 Wins And 2025 Hopes
2024 was a year of troubles and triumphs for Pakistan. On December 27, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the DG ISPR, offered a detailed assessment of the country’s security landscape. He talked about counter-terrorism operations, border management and internal stability, citing the military’s achievements along with future plans.
Pakistan conducted 59,775 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in 2024 through which 925 terrorists including 73 high-value targets were eliminated. Security forces detained hundreds of militants and confiscated big arms caches. Among those eliminated was the leader of Fitna al-Khawarij, a group operating in the Malakand Division. Those war efforts came at a price, with 383 officers and soldiers losing their lives. Yet Pakistan continued to suffer 1,200 terrorist incidents, resulting in over 2,000 casualties among civilians and military personnel.
DG ISPR touched on how the Afghan territory is still being used against Pakistan by groups like TTP and Fitna al-Khawarij. He lauded Pakistan’s peace efforts regarding Afghanistan and added that illegal Afghan nationals numbering 815,000 were repatriated since September 2023. Even after these steps, cross-border terrorism continues to be a major problem.
The military also tackled internal governance issues, focusing on smuggling, drug trafficking, electricity theft and hoarding. Efforts under the One Document Regime reduced illegal border crossings. Additionally, mine-clearing operations in tribal areas saw 72% of districts made safer for residents.
The second centre of focus was the violent protests of May 9, 2023. DG ISPR emphasized the importance of accountability, reporting that 60 people were convicted in military courts — 85 people received sentences of two to ten years. He stressed the importance of national cohesion in the sense that such incidents poison the well of national integrity.
On the eastern front, India carried 25 violations of ceasefire agreements, 564 instances of speculative fire and 61 violations of Pakistan’s air space in 2024. DG ISPR denounced these acts and briefed the audience about human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir and requested the global community to address the atrocities.
The military’s humanitarian assistance also covered disaster response, where its swift response saved many lives, showcasing its role beyond security.
DG ISPR also demanded political stability from all politicians, putting national interests paramount to their self-interests and ambitions. He advocated discussions between political factions to work through differences and fortify democratic systems.
He stressed the need for governance reforms, education and a stringent crackdown against syndicates of crime and terrorism to eliminate the curse of terrorism and lawlessness. The military’s successes in 2024 have provided a platform, but for peace to endure and flourish, all levels of society will need to come together through unity, diplomacy, and collaboration.
The path that lies ahead is fraught with challenges, but with collective efforts between the military, political leaders and citizens, Pakistan can endeavour towards a more stable and secure future.
By Aishma Gul
