RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) – Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday strongly criticised incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan for what he described as an “anti-army” narrative, asserting that the rhetoric had moved beyond politics and evolved into a “national security threat”.
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Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR said a “creeping national security threat” had compelled the military to speak openly.
“That threat emanates from a delusional mindset of a delusional person who has become captive to his own ego, thinking that his wishes are bigger than the state of Pakistan,” he said, in an implicit reference to Imran Khan.
He added that Imran’s narrative was now being pushed in “deep collusion with external actors”.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces represent all regions, religions and languages of Pakistan and serve without political alignment. “We strive and die daily for the people of Pakistan and the integrity of Pakistan. We belong to the middle, lower-middle and poor socio-economic classes. We do not carry any political flag.”
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He warned that if anyone attacked the armed forces or its leadership “for the sake of their ego”, the institution would “fight bare-knuckle”.
The military spokesperson said no one would be allowed to create a wedge between the people and the armed forces. Constructive criticism was acceptable, he said, but provoking the public against the military would not be tolerated.
He said Imran’s rhetoric was harmful to national security, noting that the armed forces stand between Pakistan and threats from “the Hindutva mindset in India”, as well as terrorists operating from Afghanistan.
Recalling various instances, the DG ISPR alleged that Imran attempted to hinder remittances, wrote to the IMF to block agreements with Pakistan, promoted civil disobedience, encouraged non-payment of electricity bills and recently urged supporters to target military leadership.
“Who benefits from such a narrative?” he asked, adding that such rhetoric appeared aligned with interests in Delhi and Kabul.
He said anonymous social media accounts amplifying Imran’s posts were not being operated from Pakistan, adding that Indian media and accounts linked to RAW aggressively promoted the anti-army rhetoric.
Calling Imran a “mental patient”, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the PTI founder continuously built narratives against the armed forces during meetings in prison and that such political activity violated constitutional provisions related to national security.
He criticised PTI’s handling of terrorism, foreign policy and governance in KP, questioning the party’s focus on the military rather than performance. “Please grow up. Talk about real issues,” he said.
On suggestions of banning PTI or imposing governor’s rule in KP, the DG ISPR said these were decisions for the government and parliament, not the army.
CDF headquarters begins functioning
Lt Gen Chaudhry also announced that the newly established chief of defence forces (CDF) headquarters had formally begun functioning. He said the move would strengthen multi-domain coordination, including land, air, maritime, cyber, space and intelligence operations.
He emphasised that the headquarters was created on the directives of parliament and was essential in modern warfare, noting that more than 70 countries operate similar structures.
