“Mental Patient” and “Barking Dog”: DG ISPR’s Direct Attack on Imran Khan

In a tense escalation of Pakistan’s ongoing political standoff, the military’s top spokesperson unleashed a scathing critique of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan during a press conference on December 5, labeling him “mentally unstable” and a direct threat to national security. The remarks, delivered amid swirling rumors of Khan’s health and isolation in Adiala Jail, have ignited fresh controversy, with supporters decrying them as an attack on democracy while critics see them as a long-overdue reality check on divisive rhetoric. As PTI rallies against what they call institutional overreach, this briefing underscores the deepening rift between the establishment and the opposition.

The Spark: Khan’s Social Media Jab and Jail Isolation

The drama unfolded against a backdrop of heightened anxiety over Imran Khan’s well-being. For weeks, PTI leaders and family members had raised alarms about his solitary confinement in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where he’s been held since August 2023 on charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, told reporters after a rare visit on December 2 that he appeared “disturbed and angry,” complaining of mental torture and no contact for over a month. Rumors even swirled online about his possible death, prompting protests outside the jail and Islamabad High Court, despite a Section 144 ban on gatherings.

On December 4, Khan, communicating via social media posts approved during family visits, fired the first shot. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he branded Army Chief General Asim Munir “mentally unstable” and accused him of orchestrating a collapse of the constitution and rule of law. Khan claimed he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were jailed on fabricated charges at Munir’s command, enduring psychological pressure in tiny cells. This wasn’t isolated—Khan has long alleged a U.S.-backed conspiracy in his 2022 ouster, a narrative that’s fueled PTI’s street protests and legal battles.

The post quickly went viral, amplified by PTI’s robust online machinery. Supporters flooded X with hashtags like #ReleaseImranKhan, while international outlets like Al Jazeera noted how it reignited debates over civilian-military tensions in Pakistan. One X user, PTI’s official account, shared a defiant audio clip of Khan reminiscing about defending the army during the War on Terror, urging the ISPR to “listen carefully” and feel shame for the accusations.

DG ISPR’s Response: A ‘Delusional’ Threat to the State

Enter Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), who held a rare, hour-long presser in Rawalpindi on December 5. Without naming Khan outright at first, he described a “creeping national security threat” from a “delusional person captive to his own ego,” whose ambitions eclipsed the state’s. He then pivoted to specifics, projecting Khan’s X post on a screen and calling it “nonsense” amplified by Afghan and Indian media. “Mentally ill,” Chaudhry said bluntly, portraying Khan as a narcissist whose jail visits were being weaponized to spew “anti-army” propaganda.

The general’s tone was unyielding: “Who do you think you are?” he asked rhetorically, questioning which constitutional provision allowed a convict to incite division via family meetings. He dismissed PTI’s narratives as a “fake news factory,” linking them to foreign interference and warning that freedom of expression doesn’t extend to threats against institutions. Chaudhry even likened the rhetoric to a “barking dog”—annoying but irrelevant—insisting the army wouldn’t tolerate efforts to pit civilians against the forces that protected the nation during crises like the War on Terror.

This wasn’t just personal; it touched on broader accusations. Chaudhry referenced PTI’s alleged role in the May 9, 2023 riots—where military installations were attacked after Khan’s arrest—and foreign funding cases that have haunted the party. He vowed a “decisive response” to any anti-state agitation, echoing earlier government moves like the July 2024 ban attempt on PTI, which cited treason and leaked secrets. No mention of a fresh ban surfaced, but the subtext was clear: PTI’s “politics is over,” as one post paraphrased.

PTI’s Fury: ‘Mental Patient’ Label Sparks Backlash

The briefing landed like a thunderclap in PTI circles. Party Chairman Gohar Ali Khan called it a “grave challenge to democratic norms,” urging the UN and global powers to intervene for Khan’s safety. On X, reactions poured in—supporters like @AFANKHANOFFICAL decried it as intimidation, while @PTIofficial amplified Khan’s audio rebuttal, racking up thousands of likes. One viral thread accused the military of baiting PTI into reactions that could justify a full ban or Article 6 treason proceedings.

Critics within PTI, like @audaciousM__, called it a “slaughter” of their leader’s image, predicting prolonged incarceration. Protests simmered, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur vowing more rallies despite crackdowns. Internationally, Amnesty International echoed concerns over Khan’s isolation, calling for due process. Yet, government allies like PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah dismissed it as PTI avoiding “meaningful engagement,” keeping dialogue doors open but tying it to de-escalation.

Social media amplified the divide. Pro-PTI accounts trended #ذہنیمریضنامنظور (“Mental Patient Unacceptable”), while detractors like @ShahzainSpeakin celebrated the “exposure” of PTI’s “victimhood.” Hashtags like #NationHatesImranNiazi surged, with users sharing memes of the briefing as a “reality check.”

Key Figures in the Clash	Role	Stance on Briefing
Imran Khan	PTI Founder (Incarcerated)	Accused army chief of instability; called briefing “shameful” via audio.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry	DG ISPR	Labeled Khan “mentally ill”; vowed protection of institutions.
Gohar Ali Khan	PTI Chairman	Demanded international intervention; called it anti-democratic.
Rana Sanaullah	PML-N Adviser	Urged PTI back to talks; linked unrest to banned groups like TTP.
Aleema Khanum	Khan’s Sister	Highlighted jail “torture”; confirmed his anger post-visit.

Broader Implications: Ban Rumors, Dialogue Deadlock, and National Stability

This isn’t PTI’s first brush with existential threats. The government tried banning the party in July 2024 over May 9 violence and cipher leaks, but Supreme Court rulings on reserved seats kept it afloat. Talks brokered in late 2024 fizzled by January 2025, with PTI withdrawing over demands for probes into election rigging and the 2022 no-confidence vote. Now, with Khan’s health in question and protests brewing, analysts fear a return to street chaos.

On the flip side, the briefing reinforces the military’s narrative of PTI as a destabilizing force, potentially paving the way for harsher measures like governor’s rule in PTI strongholds or fresh sedition charges. Chaudhry’s warnings about foreign amplification—pointing to India and Afghanistan—tie into Pakistan’s security playbook, where internal dissent is often framed as external meddling.

Economically strained and terror-plagued, Pakistan can’t afford more unrest. Yet, as one X observer noted, the briefing might have backfired by elevating Khan’s relevance: “Imran doesn’t need introductions. His support speaks louder.” With elections looming and global eyes on human rights, the coming days could test whether this is a turning point—or just another chapter in the endless PTI-establishment saga.

What do you think—escalation or olive branch? Drop your thoughts below.

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