A fresh controversy has erupted in Pakistan after the Army’s spokesperson allegedly responded to a woman journalist’s question about Imran Khan with an inappropriate wink an act widely condemned as “shameless” and emblematic of the military establishment’s dismissive attitude toward both journalists and democratic accountability. The incident, captured during an official media interaction, has ignited debate over the conduct, arrogance, and lack of professionalism within Pakistan’s most powerful institution.

Critics say the gesture, made in response to a serious political question, reflects the Pakistan Army’s long-standing pattern of trivializing legitimate queries and evading scrutiny. Instead of offering clarity on the country’s deepening political crisis, the spokesperson’s behavior has been interpreted as a deliberate attempt to belittle the journalist and undermine her credibility. Many observers argue that such actions further expose the military’s discomfort with transparency and its hostility toward independent media.

Political commentators point out that this is not an isolated incident. Pakistan’s press corps has repeatedly complained of intimidation, censorship, and pressure from security agencies, particularly relating to coverage of Imran Khan’s arrest, trials, and political struggles. The alleged wink, though small in action, has become symbolic of a larger culture in which the military establishment believes itself untouchable, immune to criticism, and entitled to treat journalists with contempt.

The reaction across social media has been intense, with many describing the gesture as misogynistic and reflective of a patriarchal mindset deeply embedded in Pakistan’s power structure. For a country already struggling with declining respect for women in public spaces, the fact that such conduct reportedly came from a senior official of the state only deepens public frustration.

Beyond the sexism, analysts say the incident also underscores the insecurity within the military ranks. Rather than addressing legitimate political questions, the establishment often resorts to theatrics, deflection, or intimidation. At a time when Pakistan faces economic collapse, soaring terrorism, and political fragmentation, the Army’s inability to handle a simple question with professionalism raises serious concerns about its priorities.

The alleged wink may appear trivial in isolation, but within Pakistan’s current climate, it speaks volumes. It represents the widening disconnect between an all-powerful institution and a population demanding accountability. It highlights the erosion of decorum, the shrinking space for free journalism, and the military’s increasingly defensive stance as public criticism mounts.

For many Pakistanis, the incident is yet another reminder that the country’s biggest challenges do not lie in its people, but in the unchecked arrogance of the institutions that claim to protect them.

 This image is taken from India Today.