Governance reform crucial for Pakistan’s security, says ISPR chief

Pakistan’s military leadership has emphasized that governance reform is essential to achieving lasting security, warning that weak institutions and political instability remain central challenges in the fight against terrorism. During a detailed press briefing on Friday, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry highlighted the need for effective administration, rule of law, and stronger civilian institutions to address long-standing grievances and defeat militancy. The briefing, which focused on the security situation in Balochistan, underscored the shift from reactive to proactive counterterrorism strategies and the role of governance in ensuring stability and public trust.

Counterterrorism enters intense phase

Security forces conducted 40,348 intelligence-based operations in 2026, with over 31,000 operations in Balochistan alone. During the same period, Pakistan recorded 3,145 terrorism incidents, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The military spokesperson noted that 2,084 terrorists were killed, averaging around 10 militants eliminated daily. Despite these efforts, the human cost remained significant, with 819 Pakistanis killed in terrorism-related incidents, including civilians, law enforcement officials, and military personnel. The DG ISPR emphasized that the security approach has evolved to a more proactive model, with nearly 200 intelligence-based operations conducted daily.

Good governance is key to security and stability

“Good governance is quintessential for Pakistan,” said the DG ISPR, stressing that without effective governance, “none of Pakistan’s issues could be resolved.” He linked the success of the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism to governance reforms, noting that the plan, developed through political consensus, included 14 points, many of which depended on strong governance. These included countering extremist narratives, controlling terror financing, improving law enforcement capacity, and managing refugee issues. The DG ISPR also questioned whether the current governance model was sufficient for a population that has grown fivefold over decades, calling for elected representatives to lead the debate on reforms.

The briefing highlighted the persistent challenges in Balochistan, where militant attacks, separatist violence, and development issues have remained unresolved. The DG ISPR argued that the province’s instability was linked not only to terrorism but also to governance gaps, economic disparities, and resistance to social change. He identified “elitism and sardarism” and the preservation of old power structures as contributing factors to instability. The military spokesperson stressed that the state’s response must combine security operations with direct engagement, development initiatives, and the strengthening of public institutions. He also clarified that a “hard state” does not mean military dominance but rather a system where constitutional authority, equality before the law, and justice prevail.

Addressing dual challenges of security and governance

The briefing underscored Pakistan’s dual challenge: defeating armed groups on the battlefield while addressing governance weaknesses that allow insecurity, mistrust, and instability to persist. The military leadership’s message was clear: counterterrorism requires more than weapons and operations. It requires functioning institutions, political consensus, and a governance system capable of delivering security, justice, and development to citizens. The DG ISPR emphasized that strengthening institutions and restoring public trust were essential to preventing grievances from being exploited by militant groups. As Pakistan continues its long counterterrorism struggle, the focus on governance reform remains a critical component of its national security strategy.