Pakistan Army’s DG ISPR Sparks Outrage After Winking at Female Journalist During Press Conference
A video of Pakistan Army’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has ignited a major controversy after he was seen winking at a female journalist during a press briefing. The incident, which occurred while journalist Absar Komal questioned him about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many calling the gesture unprofessional and disrespectful.
In my opinion, there should be a case against @OfficialDGISPR for harassment at work.
— Imtiaz Abbasi (@ImtiazAbbasi751) December 9, 2025
He literally winked at a female journalist in a very sly way while she was only asking a question.
Would he have done the same if a male journalist had asked the question?@AlifyaSohail pic.twitter.com/udKSKKmnpP
How the Controversy Began
The uproar began when Komal asked a pointed question regarding the allegations repeatedly levelled against Imran Khan, who has been in prison since 2023. Referring to claims that Khan poses a national security threat and allegedly acts on instructions from foreign powers, the journalist asked how these accusations differed from earlier ones and whether the public should expect new developments in the future.
Responding to her query, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry said, “Add one more point — he is also mentally unwell.” Immediately afterward, he smiled and winked at the journalist, a moment that was captured live on camera and quickly went viral across various platforms.
The gesture has since become the center of heated debate, with critics accusing the senior military official of inappropriate conduct and dismissiveness toward the media.
Social Media Calls It Unprofessional and Disturbing
The video clip drew sharp reactions online. Many users expressed disbelief that such behavior took place during an official press conference.
One user wrote, “Ahmed (Not) Sharif Chaudhary,” mocking the DG ISPR’s name while condemning his conduct. Another commented, “Winking at a female journalist while answering a serious question? This is the fall of professionalism. Was it a press briefing or cheap flirting?”
Some users pointed out that the act reflects the shrinking space for democratic values in the country. A commenter on X posted, “This is happening openly in front of cameras. Democracy in Pakistan is over. The PM is a puppet.”
Another user remarked, “The DG ISPR winked at a female journalist when she questioned why Imran Khan is being labelled as foreign-funded. Honestly, I’m not surprised.”
A few even demanded legal action, stating that the military spokesperson should be held accountable for his behavior.
Continuing Hostility Between the Army and Imran Khan
The controversy comes at a time when tensions between the Pakistan Army and Imran Khan remain at an all-time high. Since losing power in 2024, Khan has repeatedly targeted the military leadership. He has described Army Chief General Asim Munir as mentally unstable and dangerous for the country, also accusing him of enabling a rise in terrorism.
Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, has faced increasing restrictions. Reports suggest that his meetings with family members have been curtailed, leading to public outcry. In a recent incident, only one of his sisters was allowed to meet him after an initial order blocked all visits.
During the latest press briefing, the DG ISPR accused Khan of attempting to incite hostility toward the military. Without naming him directly, Chaudhry said that certain individuals who meet Khan in jail are being used to “spread poison” against the armed forces. He further remarked that Khan’s political ambitions are so extreme that he believes “nothing should exist if he is not in power.”
He added that constitutional rights have limitations, particularly when national security is at stake, and warned that the military would not allow any attempts to create a divide between the armed forces and the public.
A Moment That Has Damaged Credibility
The controversy surrounding the wink has overshadowed the content of the press briefing itself, raising questions about professionalism within Pakistan’s military communication wing. Many observers say that such conduct undermines the seriousness of the issues being discussed, especially at a time when the country faces political turmoil and institutional distrust.
For now, the incident continues to dominate conversations online, highlighting the fragile relationship between Pakistan’s military establishment, the media and the country’s former prime minister.
