Rawalpindi, December 5, 2025: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday delivered an almost two-hour-long press conference, addressing a wide array of national security, political and institutional matters. From the anti-army narrative to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) notification, the DG ISPR issued some of the strongest warnings yet against campaigns targeting the military.
Below are the major highlights from his address:
PTI founder termed a “mentally ill individual”
Lt Gen Chaudhry declared incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan a “mentally ill individual”, alleging that his anti-army rhetoric has evolved into a “serious national security threat”.
‘Political terror-crime nexus’
The military spokesperson claimed Imran Khan is part of a wider terror-crime nexus involving narcotics trafficking, non-custom paid vehicles, kidnapping for ransom and other illegal activities. He warned that anyone challenging this network faces coordinated retaliation.
Coordinated propaganda and troll networks
Lt Gen Chaudhry accused the PTI founder of running a “scientific system” of coordinated troll activity, pushing anti-state narratives through structured online campaigns. He said every narrative originates from Imran’s own social media accounts before being amplified through overseas networks.
Attacks on army leadership will be responded
He warned that any attack — verbal or otherwise — on the armed forces or its leadership would be confronted. “Those trying to create a rift between the army and the people should ask themselves whether they want space for another army,” he said.
No dialogue with ‘khawarij’
Reiterating the army’s longstanding stance, the DG ISPR ruled out any negotiations with terrorists — including Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan and other proscribed outfits. He claimed certain individuals were reviving the idea of “talks with khawarij” even in recent days.
State declared supreme
Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that the “state is supreme — not the army, not any individual”, asserting that no personal political agenda could be allowed to override national interest. He said efforts to drag the military into politics or distort national issues would not be tolerated.
CDF notification hit by ‘flood of lies’
He said a “flood of lies” had been spread on social media regarding the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) notification, adding that even routine military matters were being turned into propaganda as part of a politically driven anti-army campaign.
Armed forces are neutral, non-political
The DG ISPR reiterated that the armed forces represent no religious inclination, ideology or sect and primarily consist of personnel from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds. “We carry no political flag,” he said.
‘Keep army away from politics’
Calling for political maturity, Lt Gen Chaudhry urged parties and leaders to conduct their politics without dragging the army into it. He criticised what he described as a persistent “obsession with the army”, urging all stakeholders to “grow up”.
