Key Takeaways from DG ISPR’s Press Conference

News Desk 

Islamabad: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, on Friday issued strong remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) narrative-driven campaign, calling it a direct national security threat.

Below are the major takeaways from his press conference:

PTI’s Narrative a National Security Risk

The DG ISPR accused PTI of running a disinformation-driven campaign targeting the Pakistan Army. He said the party’s rhetoric was being echoed by foreign media, including channels from countries “whose forces were defeated by the Pakistan Army.”

Foreign Media and Social Media Amplification

Lt Gen Chaudhry presented examples of anti-army content repeatedly aired on Indian TV channels. He said PTI’s narrative relied on sensationalism, distortion of facts, and coordinated disinformation amplified by Indian and Afghan social media networks. He questioned the legality of allowing such anti-state campaigns.

Attack on Institutions Instead of Governance

The DG ISPR criticised PTI for focusing politics on attacking state institutions rather than addressing governance failures in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after more than a decade of rule. Issues in education, health, security, and the economy, he said, remained unaddressed.

Strong Remarks on Leadership

Referring to a jailed PTI leader, he termed the individual “mentally sick” and accused him of prioritising personal interest over national interest. “No one is above Pakistan,” he stressed.

Threat to National Unity

He warned that attempts to create distrust between the public and the armed forces would not be tolerated. The military, he underlined, represents all regions, ethnicities, and faiths, and any attack on it is an attack on national cohesion.

Role of Armed Forces Against External & Internal Threats

Lt Gen Chaudhry said the Pakistan Army stands between the nation and “Hindutva-driven hegemonic designs of India.”

He added the forces also stand against “khawarij terrorists” and hostile elements operating from Afghanistan.

Allegations of Illegal Activities Linked to PTI Networks

The DG ISPR claimed certain support networks of PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were involved in narcotics trafficking, abductions, extortion, and widespread use of non-custom-paid vehicles.

Foreign Exploitation of PTI Narrative

He warned that foreign hostile elements were exploiting PTI’s messaging to malign Pakistan internationally, intentionally or otherwise.

Army’s Resolve

The Pakistan Army, he reiterated, would continue to counter propaganda, misinformation, and destabilisation attempts.

Appointment of Chief of Defence Forces

The DG ISPR congratulated the nation on the appointment of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), who has assumed charge. He said the formation of the CDF was essential in modern warfare, enabling coordinated action across land, air, naval, and cyber domains. The move, approved by Parliament, marks a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s defence structure.