A light but pointed moment emerged during a press conference by the Inter-Services Public Relations when journalists burst into laughter after a video clip of Indian journalist Arnab Goswami was played as part of a presentation.
Reacting to the room’s response, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General ISPR, remarked sarcastically. He noted that reporters were laughing at what he described as India’s “great intellectual.” His comment further amplified the light-hearted reaction among journalists.
Later in the briefing, another clip featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prompted fresh commentary. The DG ISPR took a critical swipe, suggesting mockingly that Afghanistan appeared to have found a new “avatar” to admire. He added that the Taliban now seemed inclined to look toward Modi, a remark delivered in a clearly satirical tone.
Watch today’s DG ISPR press conference , it even included a special message for Arnab Goswami, #India’s self-declared “intellectual,” served with facts instead of shouting.@Asksindia_ https://t.co/NwY97OF7ZQ pic.twitter.com/2pC5JtChTT
— The Balochistan Diaries (TBD) (@BalochDiaries) January 6, 2026Beyond the lighter exchanges, the briefing addressed serious national security and political issues. The DG ISPR stated that former DG ISI Faiz Hameed had been used for political purposes by the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan. He reiterated that terrorism remains Pakistan’s most serious threat. Furthermore, he said counterterrorism operations in 2025 reached unprecedented levels.
Responding to questions about the resettlement of militants in 2021 and claims of selective accountability, Lt Gen Chaudhry warned about the consequences. He stated that institutions lose credibility when dragged into politics. He stressed that the armed forces must remain above political influence.
Read: ISPR Accuses PTI of Hindering Counterterrorism as KP Faces Surge in Attacks
Without naming Imran Khan directly, the DG ISPR said that at the time, political power revolved around a single individual. This turned governance into a contest of personalities rather than institutions. He questioned where the intelligence leadership of that period stood. Additionally, he rejected claims that the former prime minister lacked authority.
He also dismissed narratives that attempted to elevate political figures to symbolic national status. He stated that Pakistan has only one founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and one national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The DG ISPR further criticised repeated calls by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. These calls were for negotiations with terrorists. He argued that such approaches had already harmed the province. Moreover, they risked deepening the country’s security challenges instead of resolving them.
