RAWALPINDI – Pakistan’s military has once again drawn a firm line between itself and the country’s political affairs, declaring that it neither engages with political parties nor plays any part in partisan conflicts.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the armed forces, made these remarks in a candid interview with BBC Urdu. “We engage only with the state of Pakistan — the one defined by the Constitution and shaped through political consensus,” he explained. “Whatever party is in government is irrelevant to the army’s constitutional duties.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry issued a direct appeal to political stakeholders to stop dragging the armed forces into political disputes. He stressed that the army does not choose sides and should not be expected to play a role in political dialogue. “That is a job for politicians. The army has no role in resolving political rivalries,” he said.
Addressing widespread rumours and misinformation campaigns, the DG ISPR dismissed allegations that the military is politically involved or neglects its professional responsibilities. “Such accusations are deliberately spread to serve political ends,” he said. “But let me ask — during Ma’rakah-e-Haq, did the army not rise to the occasion?”
He firmly stated that the armed forces continue to operate with full dedication to national defence, public safety, and sovereignty. “Our mission is clear — to protect Pakistan and serve its people. That’s where our focus lies,” he affirmed.
He also pushed back against the tendency of political actors to mention the military leadership during political crises. “Why does the army get mentioned during every political breakdown?” he asked. “Maybe it’s a reflection of political incompetence or an unwillingness to take responsibility.”
Lt Gen Chaudhry concluded with a reminder: “Every time you hear someone dragging the army into politics, ask yourself — are they deflecting from their own failures?”