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Tag: dg ispr

  • PML-N leaders take oath twice, vow issues discussed with Nawaz to remain secret

    PML-N leaders take oath twice, vow issues discussed with Nawaz to remain secret

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders who are currently in London remained tight-lipped about their discussions with the party’s supreme leader Nawaz Sharif.

    It is being said that the PML-N delegation took an oath “not just once but twice” to ensure that the issues that came under discussion before Mian Nawaz Sharif would not be revealed outside under any circumstances, reports Dawn.

    After the meeting, the delegation talked to the media outside Hasan Nawaz’s office. They did not share what policy direction was given by the Nawaz during the meeting at Stanhope House in London and stressed that any decision taken would only be announced after consultation with the government’s coalition partners.

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that electronic voting machines (EVMs) will not be used in the next general elections.

    When asked to comment on the DG ISPR’s presser on the army’s role in politics, Rana Sana said, “Our position on this is exactly the same that institutions should not be involved in politics or be dragged into politics. It is very inspiring that courts and other institutions have at this moment played a role that is not political.”

    When asked if former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan would be arrested, the interior minister said there would be no arbitrary arrest, but anyone found involved in illegal activities would be arrested and dealt with an iron hand after all legal requirements are met.

    Meanwhile, federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said the basic purpose of the visit was to take stock of the real existing situation of the country and seek guidance from Nawaz Sharif as he is the most senior statesman of Pakistan. He said the party wanted to consult him so that in the coming days the government could steer the country out of crises at a fast pace. “Pakistan’s economy is in really bad shape and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has left it in a complete mess.”

    “We will take our partners in confidence on everything that we discussed with Nawaz Sharif. The national leadership will play its role to bring the country out of crises”.

  • ‘Comments on Faiz Hameed made by politicians very inappropriate’: ISPR

    ‘Comments on Faiz Hameed made by politicians very inappropriate’: ISPR

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said that the Peshawar Corps was an “illustrious formation” of the army and was spearheading the national war against terrorism for over two decades.

    “One of the most competent and professional officers is entrusted with the responsibility to lead this prestigious formation. Imprudent comments made by important senior politicians recently about [the] Peshawar Corps commander are very inappropriate,” the ISPR said.

    “It is expected that the senior political leadership of [the] country refrains from passing objectionable remarks against the institution, whose brave officers and men are constantly putting their lives on the line to guard the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan,” read the statement.

    ISPR Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar reiterated that “many statements” were made in the last few days by the country’s politicians and termed them “highly inappropriate”.

    “It must be clarified that there is no problem with fair criticism,” the military spokesperson said, lamenting that social media was being used to create propaganda instead of mere criticism.

    “We, as an institution, have nothing to do with the political situation of the country,” he said, adding that the institution was showing “tolerance and restraint and requesting that the army is not dragged into politics”.

    The appointment of the next army chief should not be made “controversial” by turning it into a topic of debate. He said the procedure for the appointment of the army chief had been outlined in the Constitution, adding that it would take place in accordance with the law.

    On Wednesday, Pakistan People’s Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari had been asked about Lt Gen Hameed at a press conference in Karachi and had replied with: “The helpless Faiz Hameed has been sidelined.”

    Maryam Nawaz on Thursday said that the army chief should be a person who had a “flawless reputation”, free from any criticism or doubts.

    Maryam made these remarks in a press conference outside the Islamabad High Court on Thursday while answering a question about Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s comments, wherein he had said that former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s name could be considered for the new army chief.

    She said that the Pakistan Army is a respected institution and added that “the whole nation looks at the armed forces for the stability and security of the country”.

    The PML-N leader reiterated that the army chief should be a person who has a “flawless reputation” and who is good for the people, country, and the institution.

  • ‘Breath of fresh air’: Opposition reacts to DG ISPR’s press conference

    ‘Breath of fresh air’: Opposition reacts to DG ISPR’s press conference

    Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar’s presser on Thursday is being appreciated by the Opposition after weeks of political drama.

    Reacting to DG ISPR declaring that the word “conspiracy” had not been used in the statement issued after the March 31 meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari termed the news conference of the military spokesman a “breath of fresh air for democracy”.

    “It is [the] responsibility not only of every institution but every Pakistani to support democracy, constitution, and rule of law,” tweeted Bilawal.

    “Parliament , Judiciary & establishment transition from controversial to constitutional roles will not be easy. The answer to all of Pakistans problems is democracy, democracy and more democracy. If we continue on this path no power on earth can stop Pakistan’s progress,” said Bilawal.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “It is time to make you accountable for your condemnable efforts […] to play with the national security in a bid to save [your] regime.”

    “Face accountability, do not run away like always because this nation won’t let you this time,” said Maryam. Her words were directed at former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    “You played a dangerous game to cling to power and used the NSC forum for your conspiracy plot. You built a fake narrative of absolutely not for the bases that were never demanded. You begged the establishment for an NRO and lied that they gave you those options,” tweeted Maryam.

    Addressing a press conference on the recently held 79th Formation Commanders’ Conference, the DG ISPR said he cannot discuss what was discussed in the NSC meeting, but noted that the word “conspiracy” was not used.

    DG ISPR said that the establishment did not put forth options before Khan. He, however, said that during the deadlock, Prime Minister’s Office contacted the military leadership to resolve the matter.

    “The political parties were not ready for talks with each other to end the deadlock at that time,” he said. “The army chief and DG ISI visited the PM’s Office at their request to play the role of mediator.”

  • Indians call Pakistani response “very, very mature” on accidental Indian missile in Pakistani territory

    Indians call Pakistani response “very, very mature” on accidental Indian missile in Pakistani territory

    Indian journalists, former Indian diplomats, and others have said that the Pakistani response to an accidental Indian missile misfiring into Pakistani territory has been “very, very mature”.

    https://twitter.com/DilliDurAst/status/1502550520070045700

    Many also said that this accident is extremely dangerous and “shocking”.

    Former Indian diplomat K. C. Singh tweeted, “Such gross failure of command & control in a nation with nuclear weapons reflects very poorly on India. Imagine if it had been fired towards China. Retaliation may’ve been in kind or worse.”

    Journalist Sushant Singh wrote, “Nuclear weapon states don’t fire a missile into an adversary’s territory, accidentally or otherwise. Period.”

    Journalist Shekhar Gupta tweeted, “This is so worrying and, frankly embarrassing. A supersonic cruise missile strays from one nuclear weapon power into another. Stuff Cold War nightmares were made of. This could’ve led to unintended disaster. Good the Pakistanis kept their counsel.” He also wrote that Indian “warrior TV channels would’ve gone ballistic—with warheads, of course”.

    Author Jyotsna Mohan tweeted, “If Pakistan had ‘accidentally’ fired a missile 100kms into India, imagine how many would have gone to fight at the border from their couches and twitter.”

    Indian national security analyst Nitin A. Gokhale said the accident “should worry the brass”.

    Journalist Nirupama Subramanian said that Indian should have acknowledged missile fiasco “immediately after it happened instead of keeping quiet for 48 hours after the incident, and making a statement only after Pakistan announced it”. She added, “It’s a zero error job. no room for #galtisemistake.”

    Pakistan’s response to the Indian statement

    Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf tweeted that it has taken more than two days for India to accept that this was their missile launched ostensibly due to a technical malfunction during maintenance.

    “This raises serious questions about India’s ability to handle such sensitive technology. This missile traveled close to the path of international and domestic commercial airlines and threatened the safety of civilians,” said Yusuf.

    Indian Ministry of Defence statement

    The Indian government on Friday (March 11) admitted that “a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile“, which in Mian Channu in Pakistan. The Indian statement came a day after Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major-General Babar Iftikhar held a press conference about the supersonic missile from India. “Whatever caused this incident to happen, it is for the Indians to explain”, said DG ISPR, adding that the incident could have resulted in a major aviation disaster.

  • ‘Army has nothing to do with politics’: DG ISPR

    ‘Army has nothing to do with politics’: DG ISPR

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar on Thursday categorically stated that the Pakistan Army has nothing to do with politics.

    “I had clearly stated in my last press conference that the army has nothing to do with politics,” said General Iftikhar, adding, “It is this way and it will remain this way.”

    He also requested that there “be no unnecessary speculations about this now”.

    DG ISPR on Thursday briefed the media on an Indian “high-speed flying object” that fell in Mian Channu, Khanewal district on Wednesday night.

    “It was a supersonic flying object, most probably a missile, but it was certainly unarmed,” he said.

    “On March 9, at 6:43pm, a high-speed flying object was picked up inside the Indian territory by Air Defence Operations Centre of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). From its initial course, the object suddenly manoeuvred towards Pakistani territory and violated Pakistan’s air space, ultimately falling near Mian Channu at 6:50pm.”

    “When it fell, it damaged civilian properties,” he said, adding that no loss of life was reported.

    “It is important to highlight that the flight path of this object endangered many international and domestic passenger flights — both in Indian and Pakistani air space — as well as human life and property on the ground. Whatever caused this incident to happen, it is for the Indians to explain. It, nevertheless, shows their disregard for aviation safety and reflects very poorly on their technological prowess and procedural efficiency,” he said, adding that this could have resulted in a major aviation disaster.

  • ‘No deal with Nawaz, keep us out of it’: DG ISPR tells media

    ‘No deal with Nawaz, keep us out of it’: DG ISPR tells media

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General (DG) Major Gen Babar Iftikhar termed the rumours of a deal with former Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif as “baseless” and urged the media to “keep the establishment out of it.”

    At a press conference in Rawalpindi, DG ISPR dismissed any deal with Sharif, saying, “If someone does talk of a deal, then you must ask them who is offering a deal.”

    “Who is striking a deal with Nawaz Sharif?” he posed a question while adding that there is no trouble between the civilian government and military.

    Security situation at the Western border

    During an ISPR briefing to the media, DG ISPR also addressed the Pakistan-Afghanistan border i.e. Durand Line issue. According to him, border fencing which is 94 per cent completed, was being done in an effort to protect the people on both sides [Pak and Afghan] as well as to regulate trade. 

    He revealed that the security situation along the Western border was “challenging” during 2021. He said: “People can cross the border from designated points. This process will be eased in the coming months. The blood of our martyrs was spilled in fencing of the border. It is a fence of peace. It will be completed and remain.”

    No ceasefire with TTP currently, operations to continue

    The DG ISPR said that talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan  (TTP) are “on hold” but the operations [against them] are “ongoing”.

    “The TTP is not a monolith. They have internal differences. There were some problems, some conditions that were non-negotiable from our [Pakistan] side so there is no ceasefire right now. We are continuing with operations and will continue till we get rid of this menace,” he added.

    The worst siege in human history: DG ISPR on Kashmir

    He recalled Indian forces’ cruelty in occupied Kashmir a “propaganda” campaign by their media and said that this is the “worst siege” in human history.

    The DG ISPR accused India of endangering regional security by purchasing arms, adding that it would lead to a race in the region and have a negative impact on peace.

    He also added that India faked an encounter in Neelum Valley and killed an innocent Kashmiri and then blamed Pakistan for it.

  • VIDEO: DG ISPR pays rich tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan

    VIDEO: DG ISPR pays rich tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan

    Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar on Friday paid rich tributes to the martyrs, Ghazi and their loved-ones for their indomitable spirit, patriotism and valour rendered to safeguard the homeland.

    DG ISPR took his social media handle to share a special video with a special message of patriotism. He wrote on his official account, “Salute to the martyrs, Ghazi and ‘all’ related to them. Martyrs of Pakistan are our pride”.

    The tweet was also followed by hashtags ‘#6 September’ ‘#ShuhadaKoSalam’. Earlier, the ISPR chief during his news briefing announced that this year’s “Defence & Martyrs Day” theme was “Our martyrs are our pride, salute to all the relatives belonged to Ghazi and Shaheed”. He said the ceremony for this year would be held under Covid-19 protocols with full national zeal and fervour.

  • Zulfi Bukhari, DG ISPR stand out at Pakistani cinema celebration

    Zulfi Bukhari, DG ISPR stand out at Pakistani cinema celebration

    Hum TV on December 16 celebrated the 16th anniversary of its premier entertainment channel in Islamabad in a special show hosted by Ahmed Ali Butt and Shiffa Yousafzai.

    The anniversary celebrations was a star-studded event attended by prominent faces of the country’s entertainment landscape and dignitaries including DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Zulfi Bukhari, Adnan Siddiqui, Bushra Ansari, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Farhan Saeed, Sarah Khan, Vaneeza Ahmed, Momina Duraid, Usman Mukhtar, Sultana Siddiqui President HUM Network Limited and CEO HUM Network Duraid Qureshi.

    While everyone enjoyed watching their favourite stars take the stage, it was DG ISPR and SAPM Zulfi Bukhari who Twitter couldn’t stop talking about.

    Check out Twitter reactions below:

    https://twitter.com/baatsamjhoyaar/status/1350827400976805888?s=20
    https://twitter.com/Corpor8Xploiter/status/1350822152531009537?s=20

    Meanwhile, others were concerned that none of the participants were wearing masks.

    https://twitter.com/alishae_e/status/1350829885116342272?s=20
  • DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor praises Deepika for being ‘a brave person’

    DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor praises Deepika for being ‘a brave person’

    DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor praised #DeepikaPadukone for being a brave person and “standing both with youth and the truth.”

    However, later he deleted his tweet for reasons unknown.

    Deepika won the appreciation of the public after she visited Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to stand in solidarity with the students who were protesting after masked assailants wielding batons and iron rods attacked the university leaving more than two dozen injured.

    According to an Indian journalist, the masked mob was linked to a BJP linked student group. They barged into hostel rooms and assaulted left-wing students and also beat up visually impaired people. There were reports that they were carrying acid as well.

    Deepika’s presence at the protest signifies that she is most likely standing with them in protest of these BJP-linked attacks and not the tuition fees hike protests that had been happening at the university earlier. The hostel fee hike is an ongoing issue and protests were held against it previously.

    Read more: ‘Mad respect’ for Deepika Padukone after she stands in solidarity with JNU students attacked by BJP supporters

    Previously, in a media interaction when asked about the ongoing protests, Deepika had said that she is proud that the students are not scared of expressing themselves.

    “I feel proud about it that people are coming out – be it on the streets or wherever they are – they are raising their voice and expressing themselves as it is important. If we want to see change in life and society, it is important that a point of view be put forward,” Deepika had said.

    Meanwhile, several other Bollywood personalities including Vishal Bharadwaj, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dia Mirza, Rahul Bose, Richa Chadha and Taapsee Pannu led hundreds of people in a peaceful protest against the violence.

  • ‘Pakistan has got its act together’: Indian cybersecurity praises DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor

    ‘Pakistan has got its act together’: Indian cybersecurity praises DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor

    India’s cybersecurity chief on Saturday stressed the need for a unified public relations command for the three wings of the armed forces to ensure an upper hand in the narrative warfare with Pakistan, which, he opined, has “got its act together” through its Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor.

    According to a report in India Today, National Cyber Security Coordinator Lieutenant General Rajesh Pant (retd) while speaking at a seminar said the three wings of the armed forces have their own public relations officers and “they are going in different ways”.

    “When are we going to have our own equivalent of the DGISPR,” he is reported to have said, adding, “The (Indian armed forces) services have their own PRs and they are going in different ways.”

    Pant remarked that Pakistan has got “its act together” in narrative warfare because of DG ISPR.

    Elaborating further Pant said, “When they (DGISPR) conduct narrative warfare, let’s say in the case of Kashmir, the message they send to Europe is that human rights are being infringed. When they engage with Islamic nations they tell them that Islam is under threat. And what they told Southeast Asia is that there is a regional instability.”

    “So, they seem to have got their act together,” he concluded.

    Meanwhile, General Asif Ghafoor also took to social media to share his reaction.