Imran Khan’s statements are a threat to national security: Pak ISPR chief

Pakistan ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

Pakistan Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has made strong allegations against imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that the statements circulated by Imran Khan have now become a direct threat to Pakistan's national security.

The ISPR chief made these comments hours after the notification for the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) was issued, Geo News reported on Friday (December 5).

The ISPR DG said that nothing is above the Pakistani state. Without naming anyone, he alluded to the jailed PTI founder and said, “His arrogance and personal desires have reached such a level that he says – without me, nothing will exist.”

The Pakistan ISPR chief also called Imran Khan “having a wrong mindset.” Lt Gen Chaudhry said, “The rhetoric spread by a particular political figure has now become a threat to national security.”

He also said, “If someone attacks the army or its leadership, he is practically making room for another army. That political leader is spreading his rhetoric bypassing the constitution, laws and established rules and regulations.”

The ISPR DG questioned, “Under which law or constitution is a convicted person met? Whenever he meets someone in prison, he spreads rhetoric against the army and leadership.”

He also described former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as “mentally ill.” General Chowdhury warned, "We respect the political leadership of Pakistan, but keep the army out of politics. We will not tolerate any attempt to create division between the Pakistani army and the people. None of you will be allowed to incite the people against the army."