Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Thursday strongly dismissed media reports claiming that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir made certain remarks about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during his visit to Brussels.
"The army chief made no remark about PTI in Brussels," the military spokesperson clarified, adding that COAS Munir neither gave an interview nor mentioned any "apology" as suggested in the speculative reports.
The clarification came after some sections of the media claimed that the army chief had linked political reconciliation with apologies from all political parties. Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that such claims were baseless and misrepresented the COAS’s stance.
Reiterating the military’s position on the May 9 riots, which erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, the ISPR chief said those responsible for attacking military and state installations must be held accountable.
Read More: No desire to lead, committed to Pakistan’s security, says COAS Asim Munir
"May 9 is not just an issue of the army but of the entire nation," he said. "Anyone involved in illegal activities will face the law and its consequences."
Highlighting Pakistan’s resilience, Lt Gen Chaudhry noted that the country has the potential to reshape the region’s future, which is why it frequently comes under external attacks. He praised the youth to better understand the country’s history and ideological foundation.
Reflecting on tensions with India, the ISPR chief said the neighbor’s attempts to discredit Pakistan failed when the army gave a "strong and fitting response" across all fronts, including through countering proxies. "The world saw Pakistan’s strength when it stood united against aggression," he added.
On internal security, he emphasized the urgent need for implementing all 14 points of the National Action Plan. "Only the first point has been fully implemented so far, but all points are vital to ensure lasting peace," he said, adding that the army, police, and law enforcement agencies were filling governance gaps "with their blood every day."
The spokesperson also addressed the government’s decision to expel illegal Afghan nationals involved in criminal activities. He pointed out that certain political and criminal groups within Pakistan opposed the move because it disrupted their own interests.
Concluding his remarks, Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated that the Pakistan Army remains committed to safeguarding the nation, both from external threats and internal challenges, despite facing constant sacrifices.
