Pakistan’s military media chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has sparked a wave of anger online after a video from one of his press briefings caught him winking at journalist Absa Komal in the middle of a serious political exchange.

The moment unfolded when Komal pressed him on his harsh claims about imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Chaudhry has repeatedly accused Khan of being a “national security threat,” “anti-state,” and acting “at the hands of Delhi.”

In response to her line of questioning “How is it different from the past, or should we expect any development in the future?” Chaudhry added another label, calling Khan a “zehni mareez” (mental patient) before smiling and giving Komal an unmistakable wink.

The short clip of that interaction spread rapidly across social media, drawing outrage for what many users described as unprofessional, disrespectful behaviour from a senior military official.

Pakistani Army officer sparked controversy after casually winking at a female reporter during a live interaction, raising questions about professionalism and conduct.#mahilapatrakar #AmmalMalik pic.twitter.com/iVdjp3HBSd

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Chaudhry Calls Imran Khan ‘Narcissist’ Amid Escalating Tensions

The controversy comes at a moment when Chaudhry has taken an unusually confrontational stance toward Khan. At the same briefing, he labelled the PTI founder a “narcissist” and a “mentally ill person,” accusing him of trying to “build a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces” through posts on X.

These remarks were triggered by Khan’s own accusations from jail, where he referred to Army Chief Asim Munir as a “mentally unstable person” and blamed him for what he called the collapse of Pakistan’s legal and constitutional order.

Alongside the immediate backlash, Chaudhry’s family background was also thrust back into public conversation. He is the son of Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, a UN-designated terrorist and former associate of Osama bin Laden, a fact critics often cite when questioning his credibility and conduct.

Chaudhry has been a prominent face in Pakistan in recent months, gaining attention for fiery briefings and sharpened anti-India rhetoric, particularly during the escalations in May.

He also suggested that Indian media, networks linked to RAW, and even Afghan social media handles were amplifying Imran Khan’s criticism of the army.

DG’s Wink Spark Fresh Political Storm

Meanwhile, Khan remains in solitary confinement in Adiala Jail, facing numerous cases. Reports claim he has been unable to meet his family or legal team for over a week, further intensifying concerns about his treatment.

The wink now the centre of a political storm has become symbolic for critics who argue that Pakistan’s military establishment treats dissent and journalism with contempt.