Lieutenant General Asif Ghafoor, the former Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has retired from the Pakistan Army after a distinguished 40-year career. Born on December 2, 1967, in Islamabad, Ghafoor was commissioned into the Pakistan Army on September 9, 1988, from the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul.
Throughout his career, Ghafoor held several key positions, including General Officer Commanding Swat, Corps Commander Balochistan, and Commander XII Corps. He also served as Inspector General of Communication & Information Technology and President of the National Defence University (NDU).
Ghafoor is best known for his role as the 20th Director General of ISPR from 2016 to 2020, where he became the face of Pakistan’s military narrative during critical times, such as the 2019 India-Pakistan standoff. His leadership in key anti-terrorism operations, including Operation Sherdil and Operation Zarb-e-Azb, showcased his exceptional tactical skills.
In his farewell address, Ghafoor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and praised the Pakistan Army for its professionalism and dedication. He plans to dedicate his retirement to his family, scholarly pursuits, and mentoring future leaders.
Ghafoor’s contributions to the Pakistan Army and his unwavering commitment to duty have left a lasting legacy. His leadership and strategic acumen will continue to inspire generations of soldiers and officers.
