Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday that good governance is the demand of the entire nation and is essential for Pakistan’s development, stability and effective administration.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, the military spokesperson said the country’s problems could be addressed through the Constitution, law and democratic processes.
He said political leaders should consider measures aimed at improving governance and administrative structures, particularly as Pakistan’s population, technological capacity and state requirements had changed considerably over time.
“Things cannot improve without good governance, and practical steps will have to be taken to ensure it,” the DG ISPR said.
He noted that Pakistan’s population had increased three to four times while the country continued to have four provinces. He said the governance system could not remain stagnant and must evolve in line with changing demographic, technological and administrative needs.
The DG ISPR said public opinion should be taken into account while addressing governance-related issues. If people were satisfied with the existing administrative system, it could continue, but if they were dissatisfied, decisions should be taken in accordance with the Constitution, he added.
He said there was broad agreement among political parties on the 14-point National Action Plan, stressing that good governance remained a guarantee of national progress and stability.
Turning to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the DG ISPR said Pakistan and Kashmir were inseparable and that the Kashmir dispute remained an unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent.
He described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “most beloved child” and said the region received a significant share of national resources. He added that more than 100,000 Kashmiris were serving in the Pakistan Army.
The military spokesperson questioned whether certain narratives being promoted in the name of rights were influenced by the position associated with former Dogra ruler Hari Singh.
He said a campaign had been launched in the name of rights, but its actual objectives were different and had now become evident. He also referred to demands that Kashmiris who had migrated from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir should not be given representation.
The DG ISPR said the affairs of Azad Kashmir were being managed by the Azad Kashmir Police and reiterated that all political and administrative matters must be handled through constitutional, legal and democratic mechanisms.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s special relationship with Saudi Arabia and referred to the deep religious and strategic bonds between the two countries, particularly their shared commitment to the protection and sanctity of the two holy mosques.
Speaking about the armed forces, the DG ISPR rejected attempts to portray military service as being motivated merely by financial considerations.
“Can anyone believe that a person would sacrifice his life only for money?” he asked, adding that a soldier deployed on duty placed his life at risk to protect the nation.
He said the Pakistan Army was guided by the philosophy of sacrifice and martyrdom, and criticised remarks about martyrs that, in his view, supported India’s narrative.
The DG ISPR said attempts were being made to repeat arguments promoted by India against Pakistan and its armed forces.
“By wearing the uniform, we have decided to sacrifice our today for your tomorrow,” he said.
Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor