RAWALPINDI — The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issued a strong rebuttal to former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, condemning his recent statements targeting the armed forces. DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry questioned Khan’s rhetoric, emphasising that such comments threaten institutional integrity and national stability.
In a detailed briefing, the DG labelled Khan’s repeated claims as baseless and warned that continuous attacks on the military’s honour would not be tolerated. He stressed that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not extend to undermining national institutions or spreading narratives that could provoke unrest.
Rising Political Tensions
The response has sparked significant discussion across political and social spheres. Supporters of Imran argue that his criticism reflects accountability and transparency, while government-aligned voices defend the DG’s remarks, highlighting the importance of respecting national institutions during periods of political turbulence.
Analysts note that the exchange underscores a growing polarisation between the military establishment and political figures who challenge its influence. The stern tone from ISPR signals the armed forces’ readiness to respond firmly to any perceived defamation.
Observers caution that this confrontation may impact democratic dialogue and political freedoms if debates about security begin to limit legitimate criticism. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether tensions escalate further or if both sides adopt a more measured approach.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.