DG ISPR says Pakistan continues to suffer the scourge of terrorism, while the country’s leadership asserts that India is the one sponsoring and abetting it. He adds that India is conducting and prosecuting terrorism inside Pakistan through multiple proxies.

The military’s spokesperson stresses the need for national unity, stating that the country has always stood like a steel wall against this threat and must continue to do so.

“This steel wall will smash terrorism as well. The state of Pakistan, with the support of its people, is doing it. We have these 14 points of the National Action Plan, we have to implement [them] wholly,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said.

“Terrorism is not going to go away by talking with India. We don’t look outside, we don’t beg anyone to stop doing this. Our strategy is not hope. We are a proud nation and we will finish off this terrorism. There should be no doubt.”

In response to another question about terrorism, the DG ISPR says, “We will conquer terrorism. We are on the right path, their [terrorists’] ideology is perverted. It has nothing to do with Islam, or humanity or Pakistan. Killing the innocent, suicide bombings, blowing up mosques … how is this related to Islam or humanity?”

He adds that Pakistan had a battle-hardened army. “What we just need is to stand together as we have stood together, and this nation, for its survival and prosperity, is standing together,” he asserts.

He went on to say that despite efforts to reduce faith in the institutions, the nation came together during times of crisis. “The state is like a mother. We are all raised under her, some more, some less. There are differences, but they don’t make us … start fighting each other. Our unity and resolve have been strengthened.”