RAWALPINDI — Pakistan’s military is not involved in political negotiations and has no intention of engaging in talks with political parties, the army’s media spokesperson clarified in a recent interview.
Speaking to the BBC, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry firmly denied any behind-the-scenes contact or dialogue between the military and the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that such speculation is baseless.
“The Pakistan Army has always maintained a clear and consistent stance: we are not interested in politics,” he said. “It is the responsibility of political leaders to speak to one another. Our focus is and will remain on our professional duties.”
Gen. Chaudhry emphasized that the military operates strictly under the framework of the Constitution and serves the government of the day — regardless of which party is in power. “The armed forces function under the state, and the state is run by elected representatives. Political instability and issues related to governance should be addressed by political stakeholders, not the military,” he added.
The army spokesperson also addressed rumors often circulated about the military’s alleged political role. “Certain elements spread misinformation for their own political purposes — suggesting that the army oversteps its domain or fails in its duties. But the reality is very different,” he said. “Whenever there’s a national crisis or emergency — whether it’s a natural disaster, polio eradication, or security operations — the military has always been there for the people.”
He cited examples ranging from flood relief efforts to assisting WAPDA teams and even canal cleaning during his own service. “We are the people’s army. Whenever the government asks us to step up — whether it’s at the federal or provincial level — we respond immediately and responsibly.”
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry noted that the army’s deployment in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is done at the request of the respective governments. “Where and when the military is deployed is a political decision. We only act on directives from the civilian leadership.”
He urged all political parties and the public to refrain from dragging the armed forces into political debates. “Our commitment is to national security, sovereignty, and the welfare of our people. That’s our mission. Let’s not mix politics with it.”
