ISPR hits out at anti-state campaign, terms it threat to national security

RAWALPINDI: The Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as a deliberate and hostile narrative being pushed by a political figure against Pakistan’s state institutions, particularly the armed forces.

According to the military spokesperson, one individual has consistently crafted an inflammatory and anti state narrative that serves the interests of hostile forces. He said the tone used by that political figure reflects frustration, provocation and personal hatred, exposing his mindset and irresponsible politics.

The DG ISPR said the repeated glorification of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the promotion of his ideology clearly reveal that individual’s own ideological leanings.

He said the core of the narrative is built on attacking the Pakistan Army, targeting its leadership and attempting to weaken the state structure. Despite governing an entire province, the political figure avoids discussing his own performance and instead relies on continuous attacks against the military as his political strategy.

The spokesperson added that the individual has urged international financial institutions not to engage with Pakistan and has attempted to obstruct remittances while pushing the country towards financial instability. He said the political leader incited civil disobedience, told people not to pay electricity bills and attempted to create unrest, actions that directly threaten national security.

The DG ISPR stated that the politician has repeatedly distorted facts about military operations and has attempted to drag the Army into every national issue. He said the political leader has spread claims that the Army cannot fight wars and is involved only in politics, which he described as completely false.

Recalling the events of May 6 and 7, he said that when India targeted mosques, seminaries, women and children, Pakistan’s armed forces responded with full force. He said the world witnessed the Army standing firm, yet the political figure continues to deny this reality.

The spokesperson said the political leader has worked to cast doubt over historic and decisive national security actions. He said this campaign aligns with propaganda promoted by hostile forces. He added that a targeted campaign was launched against the military leadership to create division and hatred, reflecting a strategy identical to that of Pakistan’s enemies.

The DG ISPR said the political figure’s survival now rests entirely on blaming the Army, as he lacks governance performance and any national vision. He said attempts to create a divide between the people and the armed forces would not succeed because the military comes from the same society with ranks filled mainly by middle and lower middle class families.

He said officers and soldiers fight together, are martyred together and carry each other’s coffins. He added that this unity cannot be shaken by political conspiracies.

He warned that the political leader continues to use propaganda points borrowed from hostile forces, particularly India, in an effort to create instability and uncertainty within Pakistan. He said the narrative of that political figure aligns clearly with those who want Pakistan weak, divided and unstable.

The spokesperson said the Army has never targeted any political figure in such a manner, but clarity had become necessary because this issue now concerns national security.

He said the propaganda spread by that political leader has benefited internal and external enemies and damaged Pakistan’s international reputation.

Reaffirming the unity, discipline and strength of the Pakistan Army, the DG ISPR said the armed forces have taken an oath to defend the state. He said the Army stands firm and is not going anywhere.

He concluded by saying that those who assist hostile forces, whether inside or outside the country, cannot stand in the Army’s way and that the Pakistan Army stands with its people.