Bureau Report
RAWALPINDI: In a strongly worded press conference on Thursday, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) indirectly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, holding it responsible for the deteriorating security and administrative situation in the province.
Without naming PTI or Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the military spokesperson cautioned that the provincial administration should “not align itself with any Afghan or militant groups” and instead focus on governance and public welfare. The remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled charge sheet against the ruling party in KP.
The DG ISPR said that many of the ills currently faced by the province — including rising militancy, poor governance, and administrative disorder — stem from political mismanagement and misplaced priorities. “National security cannot be strengthened when provincial governments pursue policies contrary to national interests,” he remarked.
Political observers say the tone and content of the press conference suggest growing frustration within the security establishment over the KP government’s conduct. Some analysts even see the statement as a subtle warning that federal intervention or governor’s rule could be considered if the situation fails to improve.
The DG ISPR also emphasized that the army had no political agenda but would not tolerate actions or narratives that undermine internal security. His statement, however, is being viewed as a clear indication that the establishment would “prefer any responsible administration other than PTI” in the province.
The press conference has sparked intense political debate, with PTI leaders accusing the military of overstepping its constitutional role, while rival parties welcomed the DG ISPR’s remarks as “a timely reminder of where responsibility lies.”
