News Desk
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s military has delivered one of its sharpest public rebukes yet to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, underscoring the deepening confrontation between the country’s most powerful institution and its most popular civilian politician.
At a press conference in Rawalpindi this week, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), lashed out at Khan’s repeated attacks on the army’s role in politics. “Who do you think you are?” he asked pointedly, describing Khan as “a delusional person who has become captive to his own ego.”
The remarks, carried by Dawn, marked a striking escalation in tone. Chaudhry accused Khan of pushing a narrative that had moved beyond politics into the realm of national security. “His ego, his wishes, and frustrations have increased to such an extent that he thinks the world would cease to exist without him,” the general said. “The narrative that person is pushing is no more about politics now but has become a matter of national security.”
The unusually blunt language reflects the military’s growing frustration with Khan’s populist attacks, which frame the army as an obstacle to democratic sovereignty. It also highlights the leadership style of Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, who has sought to consolidate the institution’s authority since taking command in late 2022.
Munir has emphasized discipline and unity within the ranks, projecting the army as a stabilizing force in a fragile democracy. Yet his claims of neutrality have often been contradicted by the military’s continued influence over elections, courts, and the media. Analysts say the DG ISPR’s remarks are part of a broader strategy under Munir to delegitimize dissent and reinforce the army’s supremacy in public life.
The confrontation has deepened polarization in Pakistan. Khan’s supporters increasingly view the army as authoritarian, bent on suppressing popular will, while Munir’s defenders cast him as a guardian of stability against populist recklessness. The clash leaves little room for compromise, pushing the country further into crisis.
International observers warn that such interventions damage Pakistan’s credibility as a democracy. When the military sets the boundaries of political speech, civilian voices appear tolerated only within limits defined by generals. The optics of silencing dissent reverberate far beyond Pakistan’s borders, shaping how the nation is perceived in diplomatic circles and global media.
For now, the DG ISPR’s rebuke has reinforced the impression that Pakistan remains locked in its recurring cycle of military dominance and fragile civilian rule. Whether Khan can withstand the pressure—or whether Munir’s army can contain his populist appeal—may determine the trajectory of Pakistan’s democracy in the months ahead.
