The director general of Inter-Services Public Relations, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has asserted that there is a certain individual, who is imprisoned, yet believes that if he is not in power, then there is nothing.
"His statements have now become a threat to national security," said the military spokesman in a press conference on Friday.
He criticised that individual -- without taking any names -- saying: “That person’s politics is over. He is a prisoner of his own ego and impulses.” Lt Gen Chaudhry appeared to be addressing incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan and assailing his and PTI's alleged “anti-army” rhetoric throughout the press conference.
The DG ISPR reiterated that the Pakistan Army must be kept away from politics, stating: “We will not allow anyone to create a divide between the state and the people. The Pakistan Army stands between the people and the sedition of the terrorists.”
He further said that whoever attacks their own army must answer whether they intend to create space for an enemy’s forces. Emphasizing the Army’s resolve, he said: “Let it be absolutely clear: no one’s narrative will be allowed to prevail against the state any longer.”
'Time to put an end...'
The ISPR chief declared that the forces did not represent any form of regionalism, religious inclination, or political ideology. "We do not follow the agenda of any political actor or group," he maintained, adding that "a person’s identity" and personal ambitions are being placed above the state of Pakistan.
"It is time to put an end to this negative narrative." he declared.
'False narratives pushed by mentally unstable person'
Lt Gen Chaudhry further said the jailed party chief declared his party workers traitors, who attended a course at the National Defence University (NDU).
"Meanwhile, the Indian media is gleefully amplifying propaganda against the army chief. This individual is speaking against the army chief and attempting to create a divide between the people and the armed forces," claimed. "Three, four days ago, a jail meeting was being linked to human rights and illness. However, there was no mention of the illness in the media conversation after the meeting."
He also said that various social media accounts across the world were spreading false narratives. "The original narrative is being pushed by someone who is mentally unstable, and those running certain online networks continuously repost it."
He remarked that a certain party's mindset is such that democracy is acceptable only when they are in power; otherwise, they reject it entirely. "Their political gimmicks have come to an end."
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry questioned: “What do you think you are? Who are you to distribute certificates of treason?”
'Keep politics away from Pakistan Army'
Lt Gen Chaudhry said: "This same individual encouraged the public not to pay electricity bills and even urged overseas Pakistanis to stop remittances," adding that no narrative against the leadership of the Pakistan Army will be tolerated.
"The Constitution does not allow making irresponsible statements on matters of national security."
He once again stressed that politics should be kept away from the Pakistan Army. "We are not working on anyone’s agenda — we are working for the defence and protection of the country. This certain individual discusses every single news item related to the army on social media. Please grow up!"
The DG maintained that the government has constitutional institutions that could control social media.
He further said that a tweet of "a mentally unstable individual" was amplified by Indian and Afghan troll networks. “The tweet was posted two days ago, and this same person continues to make slanderous remarks against the Pakistan armed forces,” he stated.
'Indian media PTI mouthpiece'
The DG ISPR said Indian media had effectively become the mouthpiece of the PTI against the Pakistani military. He added that Indian TV channels were even broadcasting the press conference of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, while individuals like Noreen Niazi were giving interviews on Indian platforms against Pakistan and its people.
Answering a question about the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and its chief minister, the DG insisted that it was up to the government to impose governor's rule or not.
“Indian media is the biggest facilitator of a particular group,” he said. He added that the armed forces were being consistently mocked, incited against, and defamed on social media. “The KP government has been in power for 12 to 13 years — where is education and development?” he asked.
'Time for politics, theatrics over'
He said that from morning till evening, various individuals, including mentally unstable ones, speak against the army. He also referred to an incident in Peshawar where some people “wanted to open an office for terrorists.”
“What should be done with those who attacked Cadet College Wana?” he asked. “The time for your politics and theatrics is over,” he said, stressing that certain individuals only create narratives against the Pakistan Army. They also said that the country would default or that the army could not fight, but it did, he remarked.
"We will not allow lies and deceit to run in the country. This person is very much influenced by the traitor Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," the military spokesperson said. Finally, he emphasized, “Without the state of Pakistan, we have neither identity nor a place in time.”
Anti-army 'propaganda cell'
The DG said the Constitution of Pakistan clearly defines the role of every institution, noting that continuous propaganda is being spread against the army. According to him, a propaganda cell can issue a fabricated notification about anyone at will.
“By the logic of the person making these claims, India supposedly conquered Pakistan on the night of May 6th and 7th,” the DG remarked, highlighting the absurdity of the allegations.
He added that vlogs are being uploaded every 10 minutes regarding the notification of the Chief of Defence Forces, further fueling misinformation.
'Security not obtained by begging'
In terms of regional security, the spokesman questioned whether Pakistan’s security could ever be guaranteed by Kabul. “Security is not obtained by begging. If that was the case, Gaza would not be in the condition it is in today,” he remarked.
Highlighting the presence of a crime–politics nexus across the border, he said that anyone who challenges it is attacked. “We are on the right, and we will remain on the right. False narratives will no longer work,” the DG ISPR asserted.
National Action Plan
The DG also remarked that implementation of the National Action Plan was essential, adding that more than 13,000 operations had been conducted this year. "Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the provincial government. The provincial government must act to eliminate drugs and non-custom-paid vehicles," he added.
He further informed the media that more than 1.8 million illegal foreigners had been deported from the country. "A unified national narrative is necessary to eradicate terrorism," he stressed.
Earlier, the DG began his press conference by congratulating the nation on the appointment of the new Chief of Defence Forces. He announced that the headquarters of the CDF has been inaugurated, adding that the new headquarters will play a critical role in providing clarity and strategic insight on matters of war and national security.
