Pakistan army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif under fire after he winks at journalist
PTC News Desk: Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, is facing criticism after a video appeared to show him winking at a woman journalist during a press conference.
The clip circulating online shows journalist Absa Komal questioning Chaudhry over his claims that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan is a “national security threat,” “anti-state,” and acting “on Delhi’s instructions.” She asked how this was any different from previous accusations and whether anything new should be expected. Chaudhry replied jokingly, “Add a fourth point: he is also a ‘zehni mareez’ (mental patient),” before smiling and winking at her. The gesture drew swift backlash, with social media users calling it unprofessional and unbecoming of a senior military officer.
Chaudhry, who has recently become a prominent public voice for the Pakistan Army with combative and often anti-India remarks, had earlier drawn attention during a brief flare-up between India and Pakistan in May. His personal background has also been questioned, as he is the son of Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, a declared terrorist and associate of Osama bin Laden.
The latest controversy erupted as Chaudhry intensified his criticism of Imran Khan. At the same press conference, he called Khan a “narcissist” and “mentally ill,” accusing him of crafting a dangerous narrative that undermines Pakistan’s security. He pointed to Khan’s posts on X as evidence of what he claimed was a coordinated attempt to malign the Pakistan Army.
His remarks came in response to Khan accusing Army Chief Asim Munir of being “mentally unstable” and responsible for the “collapse of the Constitution and rule of law” in Pakistan. Chaudhry further alleged that Indian media outlets, accounts linked to India’s intelligence agency RAW, and Afghan social media networks were boosting Khan’s anti-army messaging online.
- PTC NEWS
