ISPR hits out at anti-state campaign, terms it threat to national security

The Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday issued a strong statement condemning what he described as a deliberate and hostile narrative being propagated by a political figure against Pakistan’s state institutions, particularly the armed forces.

According to the military spokesperson, “one individual has consistently crafted an inflammatory and anti-state narrative that serves the interests of hostile forces.” He said the tone of this narrative “reflects frustration, provocation and personal hatred, exposing his mindset and irresponsible politics.”

The DG ISPR highlighted that the repeated glorification of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and promotion of his ideology “clearly reveal that individual’s own ideological leanings.” He added that the core of the campaign is “built on attacking the Pakistan Army, targeting its leadership and attempting to weaken the state structure.” Despite governing an entire province, the political figure reportedly avoids discussing his own performance and relies on continuous attacks against the military as a political strategy.

The spokesperson also said that the individual has “urged international financial institutions not to engage with Pakistan and has attempted to obstruct remittances while pushing the country towards financial instability.” He further claimed that the political leader incited civil disobedience, told people not to pay electricity bills, and attempted to create unrest, actions “that directly threaten national security.”

The DG ISPR noted that the political figure has repeatedly distorted facts about military operations and falsely claimed the Army cannot fight wars and is involved only in politics. He recalled that during the events of May 6 and 7, when India targeted mosques, seminaries, women, and children, Pakistan’s armed forces “responded with full force” and stood firm, a reality that the political figure continues to deny.

The spokesperson added that the political campaign aligns with propaganda promoted by hostile forces, aiming to create division and hatred, and that “a targeted campaign was launched against the military leadership to create division and hatred, reflecting a strategy identical to that of Pakistan’s enemies.”

He emphasized that the political figure’s survival now depends entirely on blaming the Army due to a lack of governance performance and national vision. He stressed that “attempts to create a divide between the people and the armed forces would not succeed because the military comes from the same society with ranks filled mainly by middle and lower middle class families.”

The DG ISPR underlined the unity of officers and soldiers, saying they “fight together, are martyred together and carry each other’s coffins,” adding that this solidarity “cannot be shaken by political conspiracies.”

He warned that the political leader continues to use propaganda borrowed from hostile forces, particularly India, in an attempt to destabilize Pakistan. The narrative “aligns clearly with those who want Pakistan weak, divided and unstable.”

The spokesperson clarified that the Army has never targeted any political figure in such a manner, but “clarity had become necessary because this issue now concerns national security.” He added that the propaganda has benefited both internal and external enemies and damaged Pakistan’s international reputation.

Reaffirming the discipline, unity, and strength of the armed forces, the DG ISPR stated, “the Army stands firm and is not going anywhere.” He concluded, “those who assist hostile forces, whether inside or outside the country, cannot stand in the Army’s way and the Pakistan Army stands with its people.”