However, the conversation veered off topic to discuss “digital terrorism,” which Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry characterized as the biggest danger to national security. He held “vested interests” and a “certain” political party accountable for defaming the security forces. In addition, he took issue with the justice system, claiming it had failed to convict the May 9 culprits. The general looked furious at the condition of affairs, and the press conference devolved into a political diatribe.
However, explanations for the shortcomings of the counterterrorism campaign are required. Days had passed since a string of terrorist strikes in KP that rocked the unstable province before the news conference. Last week, the security forces experienced one of their bloodiest days when ten troops lost their lives.What was most concerning, though, was the violent public demonstration that occurred in Bannu town the day after. Anger at the growing number of terrorist attacks turned against the security personnel. There were several reported civilian deaths during the fighting. Lt-Gen Sharif claimed that a “political lobby” was behind the incident’s orchestration and that it was heavily publicized in digital media.
