Bare-knuckled response if a ‘delusional’ person attacks army: DG ISPR

WEB DESK: Speaking about the newly established Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry spoke to the press today reiterating that the armed forces have no interest in the politics, and no singular person should be allowed to defame the uniform. Referring to incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, DG ISPR said that the army would not withstand any attacks and would be ready to serve a ‘bare-knuckled’ response.

Lt Gen Sharif began by announcing that the function of headquarters has formally begun operations. Congratulating all stakeholders on the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces, the DG ISPR said the new headquarters will provide comprehensive oversight of all matters related to warfare. He added that the country must now focus on addressing the national security challenges it faces, emphasising that the CDF headquarters marks a significant step in strengthening Pakistan’s defence structure.

Lt Gen Sharif said that certain individuals have placed their personal ambitions above the interests of the state, warning that the narrative being pushed by some elements has become a threat to national security. He stressed the need to put an end to negative rhetoric, adding that one individual in particular has emerged as a security risk and believes “if not me, then no one.”

The military spokesperson said the armed forces are not pursuing any agenda but are working solely for Pakistan’s security. He reiterated that the army does not represent any ethnic or political ideology and takes pride in its uniform. Urging political actors to keep their politics away from the armed forces, he said the military respects all political parties but does not carry the flag of any one of them.

Imran Khan is comically obsessed with Army

DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated that the Pakistan Armed Forces are the guardians of the country and work tirelessly day and night to protect its integrity. He warned that social media platforms in Afghanistan and India are amplifying narratives against Pakistan’s military, systematically targeting the armed forces. “Troll networks in India and Afghanistan rapidly spread these narratives within minutes or hours, with Indian media often providing a platform for anti-Pakistan statements,” he said.

Lt Gen Sharif added that even press conferences by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi are reportedly showcased on Indian channels to serve this agenda. The DG ISPR alleged that significant funds are being spent to propagate anti-military narratives, while Afghan media also facilitates trolling. He criticised an individual, calling him a “mentally disturbed” person, whose tweets against the armed forces were quickly viralised by foreign trolls. He warned against distributing “certificates of treason” and claimed that these agitators are ideologically influenced by figures like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

DG ISPR showed the recent tweets by Khan which dubbed Field Marshal Asim Munir as ‘mentally unstable’ stressing that it is a pattern which leads Khan’s antics to Indian media. He also referred to the recent interview given by Imran Khan’s sister to an Indian news channel.

“You can fool some people all the time, all people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people, all the time. This person (Imran Khan) says that anyone who has been to National Defence University (NDU) is a ‘traitor’ which shows how he views the future of this country. His comical obsession with army is also worrisome and should be questioned, because why cannot he for once talk about politics especially the crisis in which Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) has been embroiled in,” DG ISPR Lt Gen Sharif said.

No one will undermine Pakistan’s armed forces

DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned that no one will be allowed to create a rift between the people and the Pakistan Armed Forces. He said those targeting the military leadership are not well-wishers of the nation. While the constitution permits freedom of expression, it does not allow commentary that threatens national security.

He criticised an individual who allegedly called for halting remittances and urged citizens not to pay electricity bills, describing such actions as attempts to undermine the country. Highlighting the army’s resilience, he said Pakistan’s forces have stood firm even against adversaries eight times their size. He added that some people seek to prevent the military from acting as a shield against external threats and terrorism, spreading dangerous narratives in the process. He questioned whether those attacking the armed forces are trying to pave the way for foreign or terrorist aggression, emphasising that every country has a single military institution and that the constitution and laws must be respected when discussing national security.

Foreign and domestic media amplifying anti-Army sentiments
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has criticised certain political groups for feeding negative content to Indian media and promoting narratives aimed at international audiences. He said these groups are continuously undermining Pakistan’s policy on Afghanistan and spreading falsehoods that threaten national security. According to the DG, social media campaigns amplify these narratives within minutes, targeting the armed forces and attempting to create unrest. He highlighted that these efforts are often coordinated with foreign media and supported by individuals seeking to portray the military as an obstacle to dialogue and governance.

Armed forces stand firm for the state

Emphasising the loyalty and readiness of Pakistan’s military, the DG ISPR stated that the armed forces are committed to defending the state at all times. He rejected claims undermining the military’s capabilities, citing recent operations where the army successfully countered threats despite political narratives suggesting otherwise. He underlined that attempts to politicise or discredit the army are transparent to the public, and that the forces will continue to protect Pakistan’s integrity and sovereignty while upholding truth and justice.

Public awareness and national resilience

Lt Gen Chaudhry added that Pakistan’s people are aware of these narratives and remain supportive of the armed forces. He reaffirmed that the military’s focus is on the nation’s security, not on political agendas, and asserted that the army will continue to act as a shield for the country against both internal and external threats.