Islamabad: He said terrorists were now recording their attacks and releasing videos to create a narrative that the security situation in Balochistan was worsening.
“They carry out terrorist activities, film them, and release videos. Then elitists and sardarists start crying about the deteriorating situation,” he added.
He said terrorists targeted infrastructure and promoted propaganda about a lack of development in the province, adding that India was also involved in such activities.
The DG ISPR said terrorists were also using “honey-trapping” tactics to recruit women for terrorist activities.
He said terrorists kidnapped and abused girls before blackmailing them into carrying out attacks.
He further said that around 300 Indian websites were being operated for promoting terrorism in Balochistan, while more than 1,000 social media accounts were being used for similar purposes. He added that a “hostile diaspora” was also involved in propaganda linked to terrorism.
The DG ISPR stressed the importance of empowering and engaging the people of Balochistan. “We are committed to engaging and talking directly with the people,” he added.
He said Rs70 billion had been allocated for socioeconomic projects in Balochistan, while Rs24 billion had been earmarked for the Balochistan Special Development Initiative.
He added that various projects aimed at improving road connectivity, IT training, and human resource development were also underway.
The DG ISPR reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute, saying Kashmir “was, is, and will remain the jugular vein of Pakistan.”
Responding to a question, he said Pakistan’s relationship with the people of Kashmir was based on shared religion, culture, values, and a common worldview.
“Kashmir was Pakistan, is Pakistan, and will remain Pakistan,” he said, adding that generations of Pakistanis had grown up with a commitment to the Kashmir cause.
The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir was based on legal, constitutional, and international principles.
He said the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) had faced repression since 1947-48.
“They seek to come towards Pakistan because they are living under a cruel and repressive system that has deprived them of their rights,” he said and added that the people of Kashmir looked towards Pakistan with the hope of dignity, justice, and freedom.
The DG ISPR said India had spent billions of rupees to suppress the people of IIOJK but had failed to change their aspirations.
“They have spent billions on military deployment, but they cannot buy the conscience of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
The DG ISPR said the situation in IIOJK should be assessed by listening to the voices of Kashmiris, as well as Muslims, Sikhs, and other minority communities in India.
“Ask the people of Kashmir, India’s Muslims, Sikhs, and other minorities about their experiences. Ask them whether they enjoy justice and equal rights,” he said.
He added that coercive measures could not change people’s aspirations or their desire for rights.
The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s relationship with Kashmir and its people was built on decades of shared sacrifices.
“Which army are you talking about? Is it the Pakistan Army? More than 100,000 Kashmiris are part of this army. Our soldiers and generals have served alongside the people of Kashmir,” he said.
The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s connection with Kashmir had been strengthened through sacrifices, recalling the services of Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in the region.
He mentioned Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Pakistan’s first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, who was martyred in Kashmir, and paid tribute to soldiers including Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed and Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed.
He said thousands of Pakistanis and Kashmiris had sacrificed their lives for the Kashmir cause.
The DG ISPR also rejected misinformation circulating on social media, saying unverified claims about deaths and incidents were being used to create false narratives.
He said some individuals declared dead in social media posts later appeared in videos confirming they were alive, while local communities had also rejected false claims about incidents in their areas.
Clarifying the role of security forces in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), he said law and order responsibilities rested with
the AJK government and police, supported by civil forces.
He paid tribute to AJK police personnel who had stood against violence while protecting their communities.
The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s position remained unchanged.
“We are Pakistanis, Pakistan is ours, and there is no force that can come between this relationship,” he said.
He said the electoral process in AJK was continuing and assemblies would be formed according to the constitutional framework.
He added that those responsible for violence and wrongdoing would have to face accountability.
“Whoever committed injustice, whoever killed someone, and whoever carried out acts of violence will have to answer for their actions,” he said.
The DG ISPR stressed that accountability was necessary to ensure justice and stability in the region.
Responding to another question, the DG ISPR said international human rights organisations should focus on whether Afghanistan was fulfilling its international commitments, ensuring freedom of expression, and protecting women’s rights.
“The real question is whether the commitments made by Afghanistan have been fulfilled and whether women there have been given their rights,” he said.
He criticised “double standards” in reporting on terrorism and security operations.
The DG ISPR said some reports were based on statements from individuals who lacked credibility, while certain organisations ignored facts on the ground.
He said Pakistan had faced terrorism from groups that were “sponsored, supported, facilitated, and provided shelter” from across the border.
“We will fight. This is a matter of our survival. We will fight, we are winning, and we will keep winning. Salutes to the heroes and martyrs of Pakistan,” the DG ISPR said.