Pakistan Army Brands Imran Khan ‘Mentally Ill’, Declares His Rhetoric a National Security Threat

Pakistan’s military leadership has launched an unprecedented public attack on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The army’s media wing head directly labeled Khan as “mentally ill.” He stated Khan’s political narrative now poses a serious threat to the country’s security.

The remarks were delivered by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. This official press conference marks a significant escalation in the long-running tension between the powerful military and the jailed former premier. According to Reuters, the military sees Khan’s continued activism from prison as a direct challenge.

Military Warns Against Politicizing the Armed Forces

The DG ISPR held up a tweet from Imran Khan as evidence. He accused Khan of deliberately building a harmful narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces. The general insisted no one would be allowed to create a divide between the institution and the public.

“Keep the army out of your politics,” Lt Gen Chaudhry warned political actors. He described Khan as a person who believes “without me, there is nothing.” This characterization frames Khan’s actions as driven by personal ambition, not national interest. The military’s stark language removes any remaining ambiguity about its stance.

Questions Raised Over Prison Activities and Broader Impact

The military spokesperson also raised serious questions about Khan’s activities while in state custody. He asked under which law a prisoner could meet people and craft anti-state narratives. This implies the military believes Khan is still orchestrating political opposition from behind bars.

This public condemnation significantly alters Pakistan’s political landscape. It hardens the battle lines between Khan’s populist base and the country’s most powerful institution. The direct “national security threat” accusation could pave the way for more severe legal action. It also seeks to publicly discredit Khan’s popular criticism of the army’s political role.

The military’s direct accusation that Imran Khan is “mentally ill” and a national security threat represents a definitive break. It signals that reconciliation is off the table, setting the stage for continued intense political instability in Pakistan.

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Q1: What exactly did the Pakistan military say about Imran Khan?

The Director General of the ISPR, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, called the former PM “mentally ill.” He stated Khan’s political narrative has become a direct threat to Pakistan’s national security.

Q2: Why is the military calling this a national security threat?

The military alleges Khan is deliberately building a public narrative against the armed forces from prison. They see this as an attempt to weaken the institution’s stature and create a rift between the army and the Pakistani people.

Q3: How did Imran Khan respond to these accusations?

As of the latest reports, there has been no direct public response from Imran Khan or his legal team. He remains incarcerated and his ability to communicate is heavily restricted by the state.

Q4: What does this mean for Pakistan’s political future?

This public break makes political compromise nearly impossible. It suggests a prolonged period of confrontation between Khan’s substantial popular movement and the entrenched military establishment, fueling further instability.

Q5: Where did this announcement take place?

The accusations were made during an official press conference by the DG ISPR. It was held shortly after the inauguration of the new Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News.