Rawalpindi, June 27, 2025: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated on Friday that the Pakistan Army has no interest in engaging in dialogue with political parties, reaffirming the military’s apolitical stance and commitment to constitutional boundaries.
In an interview with BBC Urdu, the DG ISPR emphasized that the armed forces communicate and cooperate only with the state — a state defined by the Constitution and formed through democratic processes involving political parties.
“We speak to the state of Pakistan — the state formed under the Constitution with political parties. Whichever government is in place, that is the state, and the Pakistan Army operates under that state,” he said.
He underscored that the military’s role is limited to serving the nation under constitutional mandates, regardless of which party holds political power. He urged all stakeholders to refrain from dragging the military into political matters.
Lt Gen Chaudhry criticized attempts to spread disinformation for political gain, particularly allegations that the army is politically involved or neglecting its professional responsibilities.
“When Ma’rakah-e-Haq happened, did the army not fulfill its duties?” he asked. “Our commitment lies with the people, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity — this is the work we do.”
He said the army’s dedication has never wavered, and the people have never felt its absence in times of need.
Reiterating the army’s apolitical posture, the DG ISPR stated that dialogue and negotiation are the exclusive domain of political leaders.
“The armed forces have always maintained that it is the responsibility of politicians to engage in political dialogue. The Pakistan Army must not be made controversial for political purposes.”
He questioned why military leadership is invoked during times of political instability, suggesting that such behavior reflects the political class’s own shortcomings.
“Perhaps it is their own incompetence or weaknesses they wish to deflect,” he said.
Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted the army’s continuous support for civil institutions. From escorting polio vaccination teams to assisting WAPDA in meter inspections and even participating in canal cleaning operations, he said the armed forces are always ready to serve when called upon.
“We are the people’s army. Whenever the government asks, we respond — fully and faithfully.”
On current deployments, he clarified that military personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are stationed there at the request of provincial governments, not on their own initiative.
Addressing propaganda efforts, the DG ISPR said claims that Balochistan’s people are against the Pakistan Army are false and part of an Indian-sponsored disinformation campaign.
“This narrative is shaped by individuals working on Indian payrolls. RAW has created thousands of fake accounts operating from Europe to spread anti-Pakistan sentiment,” he warned.
He advised critics with “strategic misconceptions” to revisit their assumptions.
Commenting on the sensitive issue of missing persons, Lt Gen Chaudhry urged for a fact-based perspective.
“We must distinguish between facts and propaganda. Is the issue of missing persons unique to Pakistan? No, it exists globally — including in India, the UK, and the US.”
He noted that Pakistan has established a dedicated commission on missing persons and that efforts to trace all cases are ongoing with full government commitment.
