"It is time Afghanistan and the US do more for Pakistan," Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor remarked on Thursday while addressing a press briefing on the national and regional security situation.
Referring to the United States' (US) demands to act against the alleged presence of terrorist elements in Pakistan, Maj Gen Ghafoor clarified again that: "No organised infrastructure of any banned organisation is present in Pakistan. We have fought an imposed and imported war twice in Pakistan and now we cannot do any more for anyone."
"Whatever we are doing, and we will do, is solely for the people of Pakistan. The aid we received (from the US) was reimbursement for the support we gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda. Had we not supported the US and Afghanistan, they would never have been able to defeat Al Qaeda," he added.
"There are no facilitators [of terrorist groups] in Pakistan and we have gone a long way towards supporting peace in the region," Maj Gen Ghafoor insisted, reiterating Pakistan's stance on the US's repetitive demand for the country to "do more".
Discussing measures taken by Pakistan to stop cross-border infiltration of terrorists, Ghafoor said: "We have started the construction of forts and posts on the Afghan border for effective border management — what more does the US and Afghanistan want from us?"
"No country is more interested in Afghan peace than us, as we know that peace there [Afghanistan] means peace in Pakistan," the DG ISPR stressing, adding that the US needs to check India's role in the Afghan region.
"No amount of coercion can work — it is only trust-based cooperation that can bring enduring peace to the region," he said
"What kind of friends are we that we are being given notices [by the US]?" he asked, adding that while Pakistan Army was willing to work with its friends, it cannot compromise on its respect.
Moving on to the Indian army's recent claims that it infiltrated Pakistan's borders, Maj Gen Ghafoor said: "India recently claimed that 10 of their soldiers came in Pakistan's territory and killed Pakistani soldiers. But this is all false propaganda for their domestic audience to take the focus off the effective political struggle they are facing for Kashmir's freedom."
"You cannot lure us into such unprofessional undertakings," the DG ISPR said.
He also thanked all media outlets for not giving in to Indian propaganda and running the "false" story regarding Indian infiltration into Pakistan.
Regarding India's complaints on Kulbushan Jadhav's meeting with his mother and wife, Maj Gen Ghafoor said: "India always looks to reduce the relevance of any gestures that Pakistan makes. However, every effort that anti-Pakistan elements make, we will counter."
"The Foreign Office has given a detailed response [to the Indian accusations]. Even if we do something as a good gesture, the Indian media will colour it in a negative light. We allowed Jadhav to meet his family as a responsible state — if we were irresponsible, we would have given in to Indian pressure and allowed consular access to him," the DG ISPR said.
He concluded: "This will not impact the case at all."
Talking about the army's presence on the borders, "We have fought well on western borders despite the threats that linger on the eastern border, but danger has not subsided yet."
"When we started action in Fata, the troublemakers turned to Balochistan," he observed.
"[However,] the army took the situation in Balochistan into account and the army chief presented the Khushal Balochistan programme on November 15," he said.
He added that the purpose of the programme was to provide resources to help speed up development, provide security, carry out action against terrorism, and cleanse the region of separatist elements.
"As a result of the programme, over 2,000 Baloch nationalists have given up their arms," he stated.
While answering a question regarding Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif's continuous tirade against the armed forces, Maj Gen Ghafoor said, "We will maintain our silence on the matter as Pakistan's armed forces are well aware of the threats and challenges we are facing and our achievements against them; thus we will not be distracted."
He added: "Political activity is ongoing. It is for the people to decide for themselves if there is a conspiracy in the country, and if they believe there is one, they should tell us what it is."
Discussing Minister for Railway Saad Rafique's remarks regarding junior officers' apparent lack of commitment to the army chief's orders, the DG ISPR said, "The statement was extremely irresponsible and unwarranted, as it targets the chain of command. The Pakistan Army is a disciplined institution and the army chief's orders are followed without question."
He added: "The army takes pride in its discipline. These remarks should not have been made."
When asked about former president Pervez Musharraf's recent statements regarding "rogue elements" being responsible for Benazir's death, the army spokesman said, "I am the spokesperson for the sitting army chief and the media should ask Musharraf to defend his own statements. As of now, I can say that there are no rogue elements within the Pakistan Army."
Comments (46) Closed
Very gud statement made by the General...thank U
i agree with ispr
At least say something new.
@Gaurav - truth stay the same.
@Ali (CA) Ironically your truth and the world's truth is differentiated by a light year, if not more. The whole world is on one side and Pakistan, is on the opposite side.
Very good. Keep it up ISPR
It's about time we take care of our own and do more for our own.
@Samrat Ashok Yes, if in the whole world you subtract China and Russia atleast.
Well said DG ISPR
Excellent Statement which talks straight. When one compares Pakistan’s sacrifices against ‘war on terror’, as a front line state, everyone else’s contributions and sacrifices become minuscule. - One should go and ask the monthers of young sons who have given their lives in line of duty. - One should go and meet the orphans of the people who gave their lives to fight the evil of terror. - One should go and ask the mother, after, wife, children of our soldiers who have given their lives to ensure we sleep well.
We have done and given enough - As the general say’s - The whole world must do more let alone US & Afghanistan. Our Country & well being of it’s people comes 1st.
So proud of you.
@Gaurav: The General replied to USA in words that they understand well - previously this was not being done. I would request you to say something new.
Pakistan facing a great problems a long with these military generals , they don't understand they are not political representatives just a server of nation under democratic systems and systems power hold on political representatives. These majors give speech like they are running country. Like a security guard shouting like owner of appartment . Even they don't feel shame.
@Ahmed Ali Khan , yes while not mentioning drone attacks.
well said
Clear precise and to the point. Great job ISPR
RIGHTLY SAID
Excellent , sensible and to the point answers after long time by ISPR. Well done !
Great job. Keep it up.
With impunity the pakistani people are fed misinformation, misguided direction, and the ordinary people are constantly fed conspiracy theories. I wonder who exactly benefits from this.?
@Meow - don't be so negative and pessimistic, as truth is always bitter to swallow. Our arm forces are integral part of our integrity and sovereignty, and nation is proud of them and their achievements. Obviously, our critics and opponents are worried and concerned about their strength and popularity.
greatttt
Once again Pakistan is asking for a handout. Never wanting to do anything positive or constructive. The country is in complete denial of its own wrong doings and is always looking for someone to blame for its own failure's...simply amazing.
@Ali Khan excellent talk
Excellent
@Ali Khan Well said
@Anti Corruption Pakistan 100% right yaar.
Such statements should only come from the head of the state of the country and not from a major general.
@Sukhera - when head of the state are inept then someone has to do it. Got it.
Well done ISPR! And yes, some irrelevant people from neighbourhood are requested to keep their bigoted views to their ownselves.
Well stated.
Weldon. Be clear and bold. Pakistan 1st
Good for internal consumption. Would that help convince anyone in rest of the world?
Excellent response. The political civilians have let us down. US and Afghanistan has been put on notice.
I totally agree. It should not be wordy gestures, they need to act if needed.
Very well said to set the records straight. No more business as usual. We should thank Almighty for brave Pakistani people and its brave armed forces. Long live Pakistan.
Excellent, ISPR! Keep it up! And keep doing it until you have Bangladesh 2.0, and even beyond until you have no Pakistan left to pretend to protect!
@Meow Yes the so called biggest democracy definitely does not benefit.
@Sukhera Where did you come up with that strange rule?
An assertive statement. Keep it up ISPR and hold briefing sessions with foreign diplomats on a regular basis through foreign office to highlight Pak efforts towards defeating terrorism.
Long live our Armed forces Gen we are proud of you and our soldiers and scientist.
Thank you Armed forces for being force behind force. Thank you Dr Abdus Salam for making us the deterrence.
Pakistan Zindabad!
@Manish All this after dubiously ousting the PM.
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani BB is not proud of them and she is very angry with them there in the heaven.
Banking on China,But China and Russia will not side with Pakistan if conflict arise.
@Gaurav like what ?
@Sush how do you know. Recent history suggests otherwise.
@Meow us as we have something to read.