ISLAMABAD – Pak Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry delivered a scathing critique that sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political landscape.
Lt Gen Chaudhry used terms like “mentally ill,” “narcissistic,” “prisoner of his own ego,” calling the former PM “threat to national security,” he left no doubt about the establishment’s anger over the PTI chief amid ongoing anti-military rhetoric.
Though ISPR chief did not name Khan directly, the focus of one hour and a half long briefing was Khan. Analysts say this marks a dramatic escalation in the decades-long tension between Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the military establishment.
For years, Imran Khan has publicly accused military leaders of wrongdoing, and tensions escalated recently when, after a month-long wait, Khan’s sister Uzma Khan was allowed to meet him in Adiala Jail. During this meeting, a statement emerged accusing Munir of being “mentally ill, whose moral depravity has completely destroyed Pakistan’s constitution and law.”
DG ISPR Chaudhry made it clear that the military sees Khan’s narrative and PTI’s attacks on armed forces as unacceptable. “If anyone attacks the armed forces and its leadership due to delusions or narcissism, we will counter it firmly. There should be no doubt about that,” he said.
PTI’s current chairman said their narrative is neither anti-state nor will it ever be. It is unfortunate when state institutions and political figures label each other mentally ill or a threat. Despite these claims, political analysts warn that PTI is now in uncharted waters.
The timing of this presser is said to be significant as it comes two days after key appointment. PTI’s social media campaign, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), has become increasingly hostile, with some supporters even using artificial intelligence to malign military leadership, especially Field Marshal.
Experts are saying in mum words that phase of condemnation, and distancing from these statements are over. What comes next is punitive, and the consequences could be severe for PTI and its leadership.
‘Send your sons to Frontlines to fight TTP’: DG ISPR dares Imran Khan
