ISLAMABAD — Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday condemned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party’s rhetoric against the military, describing him as a “mentally ill person” whose actions have evolved into a “serious national security threat.”
Speaking at a press conference that lasted over two hours, Lt Gen Chaudhry accused the PTI founder of working with external actors, spreading disinformation, provoking unrest, and persistently targeting Pakistan’s armed forces. He stressed that “nothing is above the state of Pakistan.”
Without naming Khan directly at times, the ISPR DG said the former premier’s ego and narrative had grown to the point where he believed “if not me, then nothing.” He claimed this mindset threatened national security, warning that anyone attacking the military or its leadership was effectively creating space for another army.
Lt Gen Chaudhry criticised Khan’s disregard for the Constitution, law, and established procedures, noting that he continued to target military leadership even while in Adiala jail. He highlighted coordinated social media campaigns, orchestrated troll networks, and amplification of narratives by Indian, Afghan, and some international media.
Addressing freedom of speech, the ISPR DG said Article 19 rights do not permit attacks on the state or national security. He accused Khan of promoting a “scientific system” of coordinated trolling and of attempting to halt remittances and destabilise Pakistan financially.
The ISPR chief reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting Pakistan and its people, stating that the armed forces operate under civilian authority and do not follow any political ideology. He warned political actors against dragging the military into disputes, emphasizing that attacks on the army would elicit a response.
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Lt Gen Chaudhry also urged the media to act responsibly, focus on real national issues, and differentiate truth from falsehood. He stressed that Pakistan faced critical challenges such as flood management, water storage, and food security, which require serious debate rather than politicisation.
Concluding his briefing, the ISPR DG reiterated, “We are all Bunyan-um-Marsoos — a solid, united structure. Pakistan will remain, and the Pakistan Army will remain.”
