ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Army spokesperson, Director General ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan Army’s clear stance on political neutrality, as he addressed human rights, civil-military boundaries, and cyber regulation.
In latest interview with BBC, ISPR chief categorically denied Army’s any backchannel communication or negotiations with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, or any other party saying Armed forces have no role or interest in political affairs.
We have always been very clear on this matter as it is the job of politicians to talk to each other. Please do not involve the Pakistan Army in politics, he said.
Army Talks to State, Not Political Parties
Lt Gen Sharif emphasized that Pakistan Army works with state, not with any political party or specific government we speak to state. which ever government is in power represents state constitutionally.
This statement comes at time when Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has consistently claimed he is willing to negotiate only with the military leadership, not with the sitting civilian government.
He mentioned weaknesses of the political forces themselves, when asked why army is frequently accused of interfering in politics during national crises. He reiterated that the military’s position is to remain apolitical and that political disputes should remain within the political domain.
Balochistan Dilemma
On issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif blamed India’s intelligence agency, RAW, for spreading false narratives and fueling separatist sentiments “The people of Balochistan are with Pakistan. Those spreading these assumptions are part of Indian propaganda.”
He made it clear that the government has formed a commission to investigate missing persons and that the army does not allow illegal detentions “Holding anyone in illegal custody is unacceptable. The army strictly forbids it.”
Regarding the army’s involvement in civilian affairs, he clarified that the military only acts on official requests from the federal or provincial governments.
On allegations of media control and surveillance, the DG ISPR said the constitution protects freedom of speech, but with reasonable limits “Freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution. However, no one can be allowed to speak against the state, judiciary, or religious values.”
‘Armed Forces are our identity’: Youth pledge support to Pak Army during DG ISPR’s Karachi visit
