Tensions between Imran Khan and Pakistan’s military rose sharply on Friday after the jailed former prime minister called the army chief “mentally unstable.” The military countered by labelling Khan “mentally ill” and accusing him of stirring unrest through visits and social media posts.
At a televised briefing, army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry criticised Khan’s behaviour. He said Khan acted like a “narcissist” who believed that nothing should exist if he lacked power. He claimed visitors used their meetings to spread hostility against the army. His comments followed a visit by Khan’s sister, who said Khan felt angry with Gen Asim Munir.
Khan posted similar claims on X a day earlier. He alleged that Munir ordered his imprisonment and pushed Pakistan toward a constitutional collapse. Khan said authorities kept him isolated and applied psychological pressure.
Khan’s aide, Zulfiquar Bukhari, dismissed the briefing as an emotional response. He said it aimed to intimidate Khan and justify a crackdown on PTI. He added that officials blocked future meetings with Khan.
Chaudhry also repeated allegations linking Khan to the May 9, 2023, attacks on military sites. Khan denied any role. The clash grew days after Munir’s promotion to the powerful new role of chief of defence forces.
