Takeaways from ISPR DG Lt Gen Chaudhry's hard-hitting press conference

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressed an almost two-hour-long press conference, touching upon various matters — including the anti-army narrative, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, and the chief of Defence Forces (CDF) notification.

Here are 10 key takeaways from his address:

PTI founder, a mentally ill individual

Lt Gen Chaudhry declared PTI founder Imran Khan, who is incarcerated at Adiala Jail, a "mentally ill individual" whose narrative, according to him, has become a "serious national security threat."

'Political terror-crime nexus'

Lt Gen Chaudhry said the PTI founder is linked to a wider “terror-crime nexus” involving narcotics, non-custom paid vehicles, kidnapping for ransom and other illicit activities, warning that anyone challenging this network faces coordinated attacks.

Coordinated propaganda and troll networks

The ISPR DG slammed the PTI chief for running a "scientific system" of coordinated troll activity, pushing anti-state narratives through sequenced online campaigns. He said each narrative originates from Imran Khan’s own social media accounts before being circulated abroad.

Attacks on army leadership will be responded to

Lt Gen Chaudhry warned that any attack — verbal or otherwise — on the armed forces or its leadership would be responded to. He said those who attempt to create rifts between the army and the people “should ask themselves whether they want space for another army”.

'Terror-crime nexus'

Lt Gen Chaudhry claimed that Imran was linked to a "terror-crime nexus", involving narcotics, non-custom paid vehicles, kidnapping for ransom and other illicit activities.

'No dialogue with khawarijs'

He reiterated the Pakistan Army's position that they would not hold dialogue with terrorists, including Fitna Al-Khawarij, Fitna Al-Hindustan and other banned outfits. He said some individuals had revived the narrative of "talking to the khawarij" only three days earlier.

State declared supreme over individuals and politics

He reiterated that the “state is supreme — not the army, not any individual”, stressing that no personal political agenda can be allowed to override national interest. He said attempts to drag the army into politics, distort national issues or undermine governance would not be tolerated.

CDF notification targeted by ‘flood of lies’

The ISPR DG said a “flood of lies” was spread on social media regarding the Chief of Defence Forces notification, adding that even routine military matters are now distorted into propaganda by a politically driven anti-army campaign.

'Armed forces’ are neutral'

Reiterating the institution’s longstanding position, the ISPR DG said the armed forces represented "no religious inclination, political ideology or sect", and consisted primarily of officers and soldiers drawn from the middle and lower-middle classes.

'Keep army away from politics'

Lt Gen Chaudhry noted that the army respects all political leaders and parties, adding: "Conduct your politics, but keep the army away from it". He lamented the "obsession with the army", urging all to "grow up".