Pakistan Army Faces Backlash After Spokesperson Winks at Woman Journalist, Video Goes Viral

A press briefing by Pakistan's military has triggered widespread outrage after a moment involving Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry went viral online.

The Inter Services Public Relations chief was captured smiling and winking at journalist Absa Koman after replying to her question about former prime minister Imran Khan, sparking criticism across social media.

Wink Clip Draws Heavy Criticism

In the video, Koman asks Chaudhry about the accusations against Khan, referring to claims that he is a "national security threat", "anti state", and acting "at the hands of Delhi". She further asked, "How is it different from the past, or should we expect any development in the future?"

Chaudhry replied by saying, "And add a fourth point: he is also a zehni mareez (mental patient)." He then smiled and winked at the journalist, a gesture that quickly became the focus of public anger. Many viewers accused him of unprofessional behavior, while others said the exchange highlighted deeper tensions between the military and the press.

Sharp Remarks Against Imran Khan

During the same briefing, Chaudhry launched a series of remarks aimed at Khan without directly naming him. He described the jailed leader as a "narcissist" whose political ambitions had grown so absolute that he believed, "If I am not in power, nothing else should exist." He also alleged that people visiting Khan in prison were being used "to spread poison against the army".

Chaudhry further accused Khan of working to turn sections of the public against Pakistan's military. "We will not allow anyone to create rifts between Pakistan's military and its people," he said, adding that constitutional rights come with boundaries that apply particularly in matters of national security.

Renewed Focus on May 9 Violence

Chaudhry repeated the military's long standing allegation that Khan was linked to the violent attacks on several military installations during the May 9, 2023 unrest. "Was it not this same individual who orchestrated those attacks?" he asked.

The violence erupted shortly after Khan's arrest, when crowds of his supporters stormed military and government buildings, including the Rawalpindi headquarters. Khan has consistently denied any involvement in the clashes.

His latest response came through a post on X, where he called Army Chief General Asim Munir a "mentally unstable person" and accused him of driving "the complete collapse of the Constitution and rule of law in Pakistan."