Pakistan Army DG ISPR winks at female journalist during presser, faces backlash

Pakistan Army’s DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry faced widespread backlash on social media for winking at a female journalist while answering her question during a media briefing.

In a video, now viral on X, a female journalist can be heard asking a question to Chaudhry which appears to refer to jailed prime minister Imran Khan.

"... there are strong words being used ... that he is a national security threat, anti-state and playing at the hands of Delhi. How is it different from the past or should we expect any development in the future," the journalist said.

Reports circulating online accuse DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary of inappropriate behaviour toward a female journalist. Serious concern for women’s dignity.#WomenSafety#RespectWomenpic.twitter.com/MCgrFWPUkd

— Zoya (@zoyaakhtar553) December 9, 2025

In response, the DG ISPR said: "And add a fourth point, he is also a Zeheni mareez (mental patient)", while winking at the journalist.

Chaudhry faced trolling on social media over his gesture, with people saying that it was a "new low" for the DG ISPR. "Ahmed (Not)Sharif Chaudhary," one user remarked.

"DG babu answered a female journalist’s question with a wink? That’s the funeral of professionalism right there. Were you holding a press conference or doing cheap low level flirting?" said another user.

The DG ISPR gained attention in India due to his boastful remarks at media briefings during Operation Sindoor in May. He claimed that Pakistan “never targets civilians,” and warned that any future Sindoor-style action would invite deeper strikes inside India, including against eastern economic and strategic hubs.