SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday stated that the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) exercised careful and measured language during his recent press briefing. Speaking to the media in Sialkot, the minister addressed the growing political debate surrounding remarks made by the sister of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in an interview with Indian media.
Khawaja Asif questioned whether any patriotic Pakistani could make such statements on a foreign platform, stressing that such conduct compromises national interests at a sensitive time for the country. He remarked that when individuals adopt positions that appear to challenge or undermine state institutions, strong responses naturally follow.
The defence minister urged citizens to stand with the families of martyrs and support the sacrifices made by security personnel, instead of showing sympathy for those associated with terrorism. He emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces continue to operate on the front lines for national security, and their efforts should not be overshadowed by internal political conflicts.
Commenting on the broader geopolitical context, Asif noted that friendly nations expressed solidarity with Pakistan during the recent wave of tensions. However, he criticized certain political actors within the country for failing to meet expectations, suggesting that their silence or controversial statements during critical moments created confusion and division.
Turning his attention to the founder of PTI, Asif accused him of commenting on all matters except those that relate to supporting the armed forces. He claimed that during moments of confrontation with India, the former prime minister used inappropriate and unhelpful language instead of uniting the country.
Referring to the DG ISPR's press conference a day earlier, Asif said that the army spokesperson had been extremely careful and diplomatic in addressing ongoing propaganda campaigns. He added, however, that he himself would not hesitate to respond firmly if provoked, saying, “I can respond with a stone if a brick is thrown.”
On Friday, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had sharply criticized what he described as poisonous propaganda targeting the Pakistan Army. He attributed these attacks to a mentally unstable individual and his close associates, suggesting that their comments aim to create space for forces hostile to Pakistan’s stability.
The DG ISPR questioned the motives behind such criticism, adding that certain individuals wrongly believe that Pakistan’s politics revolves solely around them, and that any system not led by them is automatically corrupt or dictatorial.
