KARACHI: Political leaders from multiple parties expressed strong support for the armed forces on Sunday, accusing the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) of running a coordinated campaign to undermine state institutions. Despite the criticism, PTI held a large rally in Peshawar, insisting that attempts to discredit its leadership would only strengthen the party.
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The exchange followed PTI’s reaction to a recent press briefing by the military’s media wing, during which its spokesperson referred to Imran Khan as a “narcissist” and “mentally ill”. PTI called the briefing inappropriate and argued that the remarks were intended to weaken its political position.
PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal criticised Imran Khan’s rhetoric, describing it as harmful to state institutions and national cohesion. He said political disagreement was acceptable, but narratives that undermined the armed forces threatened the country’s stability.
PTI has condemned the Army Spokesman’s derogatory and irresponsible language used in yesterday’s political press conference. pic.twitter.com/i3UVbWFDPc
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) December 6, 2025
MQM-P convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also weighed in, saying PTI now faced the same choice his party once did: choosing the state over its leader. He warned that Pakistan could not afford continued political instability and said external interference in domestic affairs was becoming more apparent.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi similarly accused PTI of spreading propaganda and damaging Pakistan’s standing. Both leaders argued that the nation must stand with its security forces at a time when two provinces were dealing with insurgency.
The Army spokesman should look inward, said @ShahidKhattakSK, to determine who the real security risk is. Isn’t it a security risk to impose a defense minister who the entire world knows has lost the election? #PeshawarJalsa pic.twitter.com/eHhGQ86ghi
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) December 7, 2025
Responding to the allegations, PTI demanded an apology for what it called derogatory language used against Imran Khan. At its Peshawar rally, party leaders condemned the remarks by the ISPR spokesperson and urged institutions to remain within constitutional boundaries.
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Speakers at the rally argued that criticism of Imran Khan only increased his public support. The gathering, attended by PTI and TTAP leaders, adopted a resolution rejecting claims that Imran Khan posed a security threat and opposing any move toward governor’s rule in KP. PTI leaders announced that the party would hold another rally in Kohat on December 14.