The Pakistan Army has no interest in engaging in political dialogues, emphasized Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), urging all parties to keep the military out of political affairs.
Military Committed to Constitutional Role
In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, DG ISPR, reiterated the Pakistan Army’s firm commitment to remaining apolitical and operating solely under the state’s constitutional framework. “We speak to the state of Pakistan — the state formed under the Constitution with political parties,” Chaudhry stated, clarifying that the military engages with the government in power, regardless of the ruling party. He stressed that the armed forces’ duties are centered on protecting the people, regional integrity, and national sovereignty, not meddling in politics.
Chaudhry addressed rumors accusing the army of political involvement, calling them deliberate attempts to tarnish the institution’s reputation. Citing the military’s response during the “Ma’rakah-e-Haq” operation, he affirmed its dedication to professional responsibilities, questioning whether the nation has ever felt the army’s absence in times of need. “No, absolutely not,” he asserted, emphasizing that politicians should handle dialogue among themselves without dragging the military into controversies.
Support for Civilian Governance
The DG ISPR highlighted the army’s role in supporting civilian authorities when called upon, such as accompanying polio vaccination teams or assisting with infrastructure tasks like canal cleaning. “We are the people’s army. Whenever the government asks, we respond to the best of our ability,” Chaudhry said. He clarified that military deployments in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan occur only at the request of provincial governments, not at the army’s discretion.
Countering Disinformation and Missing Persons Narrative
Chaudhry dismissed claims of anti-Pakistan sentiment in Balochistan as propaganda fueled by India’s intelligence agency, RAW, through thousands of fake social media accounts operating from Europe. He urged those spreading such narratives to reconsider their misconceptions. On the issue of missing persons, he noted that Pakistan is not unique in facing this challenge, pointing out similar issues in countries like India, the UK, and the US. He highlighted the government’s efforts through a dedicated commission to trace missing individuals, emphasizing that the army strictly prohibits illegal detentions.
Broader Context of Military’s Stance
The DG ISPR’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions, with some parties attempting to involve the military in backchannel talks. Chaudhry’s statements align with earlier assertions, such as his December 2024 press conference, where he emphasized that no political leader’s ambitions should supersede Pakistan’s interests. The army’s focus remains on national security, counter-terrorism, and supporting state institutions, as evidenced by its operations against terrorism and assistance during crises like the Swat River floods.
