Pakistan Army Declares Imran Khan a ‘National Security Threat’
DG ISPR Launches Unprecedented Attack on Jailed PTI Founder, Labeling Him ‘Mentally Ill’ and ‘Narcissist’ for Anti-Army Rhetoric
Military Redefines Political Dissent as Security Threat
In a dramatic and unprecedented escalation of the long-running civil-military rift, the Pakistan Army has publicly branded jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his political narrative as a direct “national security threat.” The condemnation came during a fiery press briefing on Friday, December 5, 2025, where the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, used strikingly harsh language to attack the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder.
Without naming Khan directly, the DG ISPR repeatedly referred to the former premier as a “delusional person,” a “narcissist,” and “mentally ill,” stating that his political ambitions had become “bigger than the state itself.” He accused Khan of running a sustained “anti-army” campaign from within Adiala Jail, questioning how a convicted person was permitted to conduct political activities aimed at creating a rift between the armed forces and the people. The military’s position asserts that this rhetoric has crossed the line from political criticism into a dangerous attempt to destabilize the nation.
Asim Munir’s Authority and the Deepest Institutional Rift
The military’s severe public statement is seen as a staunch defense of the institution and its leadership, particularly Army Chief and recently appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Asim Munir. The confrontation intensified after Khan used social media to label Munir as “mentally unstable” and accuse him of sabotaging the country’s stability. The military responded by warning that it would fight “bare-knuckle” against anyone attempting to undermine its integrity.
The development signals a critical moment in Pakistan’s political landscape. Despite being imprisoned, Imran Khan retains immense public popularity, making the military’s attempt to neutralize him politically a formidable task and a major challenge to the newly consolidated power of Field Marshal Asim Munir as the CDF. The military views Khan’s continued influence as a “creeping national security threat” that must be confronted directly to preserve the armed forces’ institutional role and national cohesion.
Allegations of External Collusion and Legal Scrutiny
The DG ISPR further fueled the controversy by alleging that Khan’s “anti-army narrative” was being amplified by hostile foreign elements, specifically pointing to certain Indian media outlets as the “biggest promoters” of the PTI’s rhetoric. This move attempts to reframe the domestic political conflict into a matter of national loyalty versus collaboration with external adversaries.
Furthermore, the military spokesman questioned the legality of Khan’s political meetings in jail, implying that these interactions are used to plot anti-state narratives in violation of constitutional and legal restrictions on freedom of expression under the pretext of national security. With the military throwing its considerable weight behind the argument that Imran Khan is a security risk, analysts suggest the civilian government may face pressure to pursue even more stringent actions against the PTI leadership and its media outreach.