DG ISPR’s dialogue with students

Dr Lubna Zaheer

By securing a historic victory in Marka-e-Haq, the Pakistan Armed Forces have lifted the nation’s head high with pride. This was no ordinary contest—our adversary was India. Even a cricket match between Pakistan and India arouses national passion, but this was war, which united the entire country. The Pakistan Air Force displayed remarkable courage, downing six Indian fighter jets. The effects of this action were visible internationally as well. When the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Qatar, he was received with great honor. In Saudi Arabia, he was accorded royal protocol, with Saudi jets flying a salute. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir in glowing terms. The credit for this honor belongs to the Field Marshal and to our armed forces.

Just a few days ago, the head of ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, visited Punjab University to engage with students. The enthusiasm of the youth was remarkable. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, in his welcome address, paid tribute to the military’s success in Marka-e-Haq, and Faisal Auditorium resounded with applause. General Ahmed Sharif then came to the podium, spoke briefly about the historic importance of Punjab University, and recalled his special connection with the institution—his respected mother once studied there. He shared that in his childhood, whenever they passed by the university, his mother would proudly tell her children, “This is my university.” After this brief introduction, an extended session of questions and answers began.

By way of context, I had also met the DG ISPR a few weeks earlier at General Headquarters (GHQ). It was an intellectually stimulating conversation. Beyond the subject matter, what impressed me most was his communication style and body language. He spoke like a seasoned professor of communication, well-equipped with arguments and facts. That, however, was a limited gathering in GHQ, attended mainly by journalists and media professionals in a sober atmosphere. However, addressing students from diverse regions and backgrounds is a very different challenge. In today’s environment, even senior politicians rarely take such risks. Credit must go to the DG ISPR for choosing to stand before an audience that included students from every part of Pakistan—among them Baloch students, who often speak straightforwardly of their deprivations and grievances, and politically active youth, unafraid to ask sharp and difficult questions.

At GHQ, though we had the freedom to ask questions, the discussion was regulated by Major General Raza and Brigadier Qasim. At Punjab University, however, student volunteers freely handed the microphone to anyone who raised a hand. The Questions and Answers session ran uninterrupted for nearly two hours.

Students were told at the outset that no question was prohibited and off-limits. The purpose was to present a perspective, not to impose it. Participants were free to agree or disagree. They asked whatever was on their minds. Topics such as terrorism, the judiciary, and the media were raised. There was discussion on the role of intelligence agencies, the National Action Plan, and the situation in Balochistan. Smuggling, governance, and education were also brought up.

The central theme that emerged was the blurring of truth and falsehood in the digital age. Misinformation and disinformation spreads rapidly, ensnaring young people in propaganda. Hearsay and unverified claims find space in their minds. In this situation, the DG ISPR stressed, the youth must adopt research and verification—just as the Holy Qur’an instructs in Surah Al-Hujurat: If a transgressor brings you news, investigate it. In this light, it is essential that young people seek truth and facts before forming opinions.

As teacher, we have long emphasized this point to our students. But the General’s style of explanation was different. His examples were unique. He spoke without pause, and Faisal Auditorium repeatedly echoed with applause.

In journalism and communication, we teach our students that if you have conducted thorough research, possess authentic information, and know how to express yourself, no one can defeat your argument. The DG demonstrated this principle in practice. For every question from students, he had facts, figures, and examples ready. Asked about education in Balochistan, he traced the situation from 1947 to the present—detailing the number of schools, colleges, medical colleges, and universities now functioning, the kilometers of roads built over the decades, and the hospitals, health centers, and dialysis facilities established. On the National Action Plan and the role of the media, he presented data to substantiate his point of view. When the discussion turned to Bangladesh, he explained both the historical background and current realities to clarify his stance.

Most of us are familiar with the DG ISPR’s media briefings on television, delivered in a measured military style. But with students, he adopted an informal, candid, and engaging tone. He listened carefully to their questions and responded with an awareness of their psychology and intellectual capacity. His talk reflected balance, reasoning, and comprehensiveness. He did not evade or dismiss any questions: he heard the students’ viewpoints and presented that of his institution, without insisting it be accepted. He repeatedly urged: “Research and verify.” The students responded with applause and encouragement.

My impression is that the audience genuinely appreciated this interaction. The young participants received answers to the questions that had been on their minds. I am sure that this session will broaden their intellectual horizons and compel them to think more deeply.

 

The author is a Professor of Media and Communication Studies and a broadcast media expert. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at Punjab University. She can be reached at lubna.zaheer91@gmail.com

 

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