ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stated that the military is not interested in engaging with political parties and urged that the army should not be involved in politics.
In an interview with the BBC, he added that the military has consistently maintained a clear stance on this matter.
“The military is not interested in talking to political parties, and political negotiations are the responsibility of politicians,” he said.
“We speak to the state, not to individual political parties,” he said. According to him, the military serves the elected government of the time and should not be dragged into political debates or controversies.
Role in civil sector
Highlighting the army’s contribution beyond defence, the DG ISPR spoke about the military’s support in civilian sectors such as healthcare, disaster management, and infrastructure development. He noted the army’s key role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its active participation in polio eradication campaigns.
“We respond to requests from both federal and provincial governments,” he stated.
Security in Balochistan
Commenting on the security challenges in Balochistan, Gen Sharif described the situation as a form of hybrid warfare, driven by separatist groups and foreign-backed propaganda.
He acknowledged the long-standing issue of enforced disappearances but stressed that “no one has the right to detain citizens illegally.” A judicial commission, he noted, is actively addressing these cases.
The DG ISPR condemned elements working on foreign agendas, particularly those allegedly funded by India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), accusing them of spreading misinformation about unrest in Balochistan.
Media regulation and cyber surveillance
On a question about media freedom and digital surveillance, the DG ISPR defended Pakistan’s regulatory approach. Citing Article 19 of the Constitution, he said freedom of expression exists, but within “reasonable restrictions.”
He also criticised what he called double standards in international discourse on press freedom, drawing comparisons between media environments in Pakistan and India.
Cross-border threats from Afghanistan
Turning to regional security, Gen Sharif voiced concern over militant sanctuaries operating across the Afghan border, which continue to threaten Pakistan’s internal stability. He confirmed that Pakistan has carried out targeted cross-border operations, including Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos on May 10, aimed at eliminating these threats.
“A single Pakistani life is more precious than a thousand foreign ones,” he asserted, reaffirming the military’s resolve to protect the nation’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
