The tensions between Pakistan’s military leadership and former Prime Minister Imran Khan escalated further on Friday, as the army publicly condemned his recent statements. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, strongly criticised Khan, calling his narrative a potential danger to national stability.
Addressing the media after the inauguration of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters, Lt Gen Chaudhry accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder of intentionally targeting the armed forces through repeated messaging on social media. Referring to one of Khan’s recent posts, he alleged that the former premier was trying to create “a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces.”
Although not mentioning Khan by name in every instance, the ISPR chief made it clear whom he was referring to. He described Khan as someone whose political ambitions overshadow constitutional responsibilities. “There is a mindset that if he is not in power, then nothing else should exist,” Chaudhry said, asserting that such a mindset had turned into a security concern for the country.
He went on to emphasise that the military will not tolerate attempts to divide the institution and the public. “The armed forces will not allow anyone to create discord between the army and the people of Pakistan. Political actors must keep the military out of their politics,” Chaudhry stated firmly.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also raised questions regarding how Khan, who remains in custody, was allegedly able to shape what the military views as anti-state narratives. He questioned the legality of meetings taking place in prison that allow the former leader to comment on matters of national security. “Under which law is a prisoner allowed meetings where he then formulates narratives against the state and its armed forces?” he asked.
According to him, any time Khan interacts with someone, he sets aside constitutional norms to push messaging that the military believes could undermine Pakistan’s stability. “These actions cannot be ignored,” Chaudhry insisted, stressing that no individual—regardless of stature—would be allowed to act against the interests of the state.
The remarks mark one of the strongest public condemnations by the Pakistan Army against Imran Khan, highlighting the deepening rift between the country’s political and military establishments.