Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has delivered a clear, unequivocal message to the nation and the world: the Pakistan Army has no interest in holding talks with political parties and must not be dragged into political affairs.
Speaking to BBC Urdu, DG ISPR Chaudhry stressed that the armed forces engage only with the state of Pakistan—a state defined under the Constitution and formed with the participation of political parties. Regardless of which government is in power, he emphasized, the Army serves the state and operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution.
He appealed to all quarters to refrain from pulling the military into politics, reaffirming the institution’s strictly apolitical stance. He noted that numerous rumors and assumptions are deliberately spread against the armed forces for political purposes, pushing false claims that the Army is involved in politics or neglects its duties.
“When Ma’rakah-e-Haq came, did the Army perform its duties or not?” he asked, affirming that Pakistan’s Armed Forces have always remained focused on their professional responsibilities. Their unwavering commitment lies with the people of Pakistan, the country’s regional integrity, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens.
He challenged whether the nation had ever felt the absence of the Army when duty called. The answer, he asserted, was an unequivocal no. The Pakistan Army’s history is one of consistent service, standing ready whenever needed—from polio campaigns and infrastructure support to protecting citizens in crisis.
He made clear that it is not the Army’s job to engage in political dialogue, but rather for politicians to manage these discussions among themselves. He questioned why military leadership’s name surfaces during political crises, suggesting this is a question politicians must answer themselves. He warned against attempts to make the Army controversial to distract from their own shortcomings.
Lt Gen Chaudhry underscored that the Army answers the government’s call in every sphere of national service. From escorting polio teams and supporting WAPDA staff to even clearing canals, the Army remains the people’s force. When provincial governments request military deployment—as in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—the Army complies with their directives.
Speaking about India’s propaganda efforts, the DG ISPR exposed how false narratives are deliberately spread to undermine Pakistan’s unity. He described the claim that the people of Balochistan oppose the Army as an Indian-funded lie. He highlighted the role of India’s RAW in creating thousands of fake social media accounts, particularly in Europe, to push anti-Pakistan sentiment.
Regarding the missing persons issue, Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed the need to distinguish truth from propaganda. He noted that this is not a problem unique to Pakistan, pointing out the existence of missing persons in countries like India, the UK, and the United States. He underlined that Pakistan has a dedicated commission working diligently to trace every missing person, reflecting the government’s commitment to resolving this complex issue.
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s remarks are a timely reminder of the Pakistan Army’s constitutional role, its loyalty to the state over politics, and its unwavering dedication to protecting Pakistan’s integrity against internal and external threats—including hostile propaganda campaigns.
