The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has categorically ruled out any behind-the-scenes negotiations between the military and political entities, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Speaking during a candid interview with a British news outlet, the military spokesperson reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s apolitical stance and underscored that political dialogue is strictly the domain of elected representatives.

Recorded at ISPR headquarters on May 18, the interview covered a range of national issues, including civil-military relations, security challenges, and regional affairs.

Army Distanced from Political Affairs

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif made it clear that the military institution neither engages with political parties nor intervenes in political processes. “Our communication is with the state, not with any political party,” he stressed, reinforcing that the armed forces remain subservient to the constitutional framework and serve the sitting government of the day.

He dismissed the recurring allegations of military interference in political matters—particularly following the dismissal of the PTI-led government—as attempts by political players to deflect responsibility for their own failures.

Contributions Beyond Security

Highlighting the army’s non-political contributions, the ISPR chief pointed to its role in national emergencies such as pandemic response, infrastructure support, and polio eradication campaigns. “The army steps in when called upon by civilian authorities, whether federal or provincial,” he clarified.

Addressing Balochistan’s Complex Landscape

On the subject of Balochistan, Gen Sharif acknowledged the sensitive nature of the province’s security landscape, which he said is being destabilized by external propaganda and hybrid warfare tactics. He acknowledged the long-standing issue of missing persons, noting that while illegal detention is unacceptable, a judicial commission is actively working on resolving such cases.

On Media Freedoms and Digital Monitoring

Touching on Pakistan’s stance on media regulation and surveillance, the ISPR head pointed to constitutional boundaries set by Article 19, which permits freedom of speech with certain limitations. He criticized international narratives that, in his view, apply inconsistent standards when evaluating media freedom in countries like Pakistan versus India.

Cross-Border Threats from Afghanistan

On the external front, Gen Sharif voiced serious concerns about the continued presence of militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan, which he said pose persistent threats to Pakistani security. He confirmed that the Pakistan Army has conducted precise cross-border operations, including the recent Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, launched on May 10 to eliminate immediate threats.

He concluded his remarks with a firm declaration: “The life of a single Pakistani is worth more than a thousand foreign ones,” underscoring the army’s unyielding commitment to national security and sovereignty.

Through his statements, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reinforced the military’s constitutional boundaries, emphasized its apolitical mandate, and defended its role in securing and stabilizing the country—reiterating that the path of political resolution lies solely with Pakistan’s elected civilian leadership.