Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday that although there was broad consensus on implementing the National Action Plan, its incomplete execution has led to a resurgence of terrorism in the country. He made these remarks during a press conference at the Peshawar Corps Headquarters.

The DG ISPR stated that his visit aimed to stand with the resilient people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to review the ongoing fight against terrorism, and to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the people and security forces of the province. He noted that militants had been provided space in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under a deliberate strategy and that a political and criminal nexus was fuelling terrorism — a burden now being borne by the local population.

Highlighting governance shortcomings, Director General Chaudhry questioned the narrative opposing the repatriation of Afghan refugees, stressing that weak governance and criminal-political patronage were undermining peace in the province. He further warned that Afghanistan was being used as a launching pad for terrorist activities against Pakistan and asserted that Pakistan’s security cannot be left dependent on external factors, ISPR said.

Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated that Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan government not to allow its soil to be used as a base for terrorism against Pakistan. He emphasized that Islamabad expects Kabul to act responsibly and ensure its territory must not be used for hostile activities against Pakistan, ISPR added.