Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Tuesday that the country does not carry out unannounced strikes, and that whenever it does conduct military action, it is announced. The statement by the head of the military’s media wing came hours after the Afghan Taliban alleged that Pakistan had carried out overnight strikes in Afghanistan. “Whenever Pakistan attacks someone, it announces it,” adding that Pakistan never attacked civilians, the DG ISPR said while speaking to senior journalists, according to local media. “In our view, there are no good and bad Taliban,” he said, adding that there was “no distinction” between terrorists. “The Taliban government should make decisions as a state, not as non-state actors,” said Gen Chaudhry. He also wondered how long the current set-up in Afghanistan would remain an interim one. The military spokesperson also addressed the court martial proceedings against former intelligence chief Gen (r) Faiz Hameed, saying: “The trial is a legal matter; there should be no speculation about it. There will be an immediate announcement when the matter reaches its final conclusion.” Gen Hameed has been in custody since August 2024 and the military announced the initiation of court martial proceedings on Aug 12, 2024, on the charges of violating the Army Act and misconduct filed by the owner of a private housing society. The army said in December 2024 that he was indicted by a military court on three counts — engaging in political activities, violating anti-espionage laws, and abusing his authority. The case against Gen Hameed was made following a Supreme Court ruling in November 2023, which directed petitioner Moeez Ahmed Khan, owner of Islamabad’s Top City housing society, to pursue grievances through appropriate channels, including the Ministry of Defence. Khan had alleged that a May 12, 2017, raid on his property by Pakistan Rangers and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) officials resulted in the seizure of valuables, including gold, diamonds, and cash, under the pretext of a counterterrorism operation. This is one of the most high-profile court martial cases in Pakistan Army’s history, as Gen Hameed is the second three-star general and the first former ISI chief to face such proceedings. Under military laws, an indictment follows a court of inquiry and a summary of evidence, which form the basis for framing charges. Following his indictment, Gen Hameed will be allowed to hire legal representation.
Pakistan conducts all strikes openly, never targets civilians: DG ISPR
