RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday launched a strong critique against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, stating that the former premier’s ongoing anti-army narrative had crossed the boundaries of politics and evolved into a national security threat. Speaking at a detailed press conference in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR said it had become necessary to address what he termed a “creeping national security challenge” emerging from a “delusional mindset.
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Without naming Imran Khan directly, Lt Gen Chaudhry said that the PTI founder had become “captive to his own ego,” believing that his personal ambitions outweighed the interests of the state. He stressed that the military had repeatedly stayed away from political disputes, yet it was essential to clarify matters when narratives threatened the security and cohesion of Pakistan.
The military spokesperson highlighted that the Pakistan Army represents every ethnicity, sect and social class in the country and operates solely for national integrity. He stated that criticism is acceptable when constructive, but provoking the public against the armed forces or attempting to create divisions is unacceptable. He argued that such campaigns benefit hostile foreign powers, particularly India, which actively amplifies anti-army rhetoric across its media networks.
Lt Gen Chaudhry referenced reported attempts by the PTI founder to influence economic and political matters from prison, including letters to international institutions and calls for civil disobedience. He questioned the legality of political leaders meeting a convicted individual and using those interactions to build narratives against state institutions.
He also accused foreign-based social media networks, Afghan digital platforms, and accounts linked to India’s intelligence agencies of pushing Imran Khan’s messaging. According to the DG ISPR, these coordinated efforts demonstrate a broader agenda aimed at weakening Pakistan’s security apparatus.
Responding to PTI’s stance on terrorism and its call for talks with banned outfits, Lt Gen Chaudhry dismissed appeasement as a viable security policy, stressing that Pakistan’s safety depends on resilience and firm action against violent actors.
Commenting on speculation regarding the chief of defence forces and civil-military relations, the DG ISPR urged political parties to focus on governance, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, instead of drawing the army into political debates. He reiterated that the army remains committed to its constitutional role, and that national interest stands above any individual or political campaign.
Towards the end of the briefing, Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the commencement of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) headquarters, calling it a significant step toward modern joint military operations and improved synergy across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains. He said the establishment of the CDF headquarters, directed by Parliament, marks an important milestone for Pakistan’s evolving security framework.
The DG ISPR concluded by stating that the Pakistan Army will continue to uphold its oath and defend the nation, regardless of political turbulence, smear campaigns or external agendas.
