Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar stands as a prominent figure in the Pakistan Army, known for his roles as Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), V Corps Commander, and current President of National Defence University. His career spans decades of command, staff, and instructional duties, marked by key operations and public engagements.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Babar Iftikhar (Urdu: بابر افتخار) HI(M) |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profession | Lieutenant General, Pakistan Army; President, National Defence University (since Jan 2025) |
| Spouse/Family | Married; four sons |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Babar Iftikhar's formative years laid the foundation for his distinguished military career. He attended the prestigious Army Burn Hall College in Abbottabad, a renowned institution for grooming future officers. This schooling instilled discipline and leadership early on.
He pursued advanced military education at the Command and Staff College in Quetta, followed by studies at the Royal Jordanian Command & Staff College. Later, he graduated from the National Defence University in Islamabad, enhancing his strategic expertise. These qualifications equipped him for high-level command roles.
Details on his parents, siblings, or exact birthplace remain private, aligning with the low-profile nature of senior Pakistani officers. His educational path reflects a commitment to armored warfare and operational leadership.
Complete Family Details
Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar maintains a private family life, with limited public information available. He is married, though his wife's name is not disclosed in official profiles. The couple has four sons, emphasizing a family-oriented personal side amid his demanding career.
No specifics on his parents or siblings surface in credible records, preserving family privacy common among military figures. Reports describe him as an avid reader and golfer, hobbies likely shared in family settings. His role as a father to four sons underscores balance between duty and home.
Public sightings, such as at events, occasionally feature him with his wife, but details stay minimal to avoid scrutiny. This discretion supports his professional focus.
Career Trajectory
Commissioning and Early Commands
Babar Iftikhar was commissioned into the 6th Lancers (Watson's Horse), an armored regiment, in March 1990 as a Second Lieutenant. His promotions progressed steadily: Lieutenant (August 1990), Captain (March 1993), Major (March 1998), Lieutenant Colonel (2007), and direct elevation to Brigadier (June 2013), bypassing Colonel.
He served as Brigade Major in an armored brigade and commanded the 9th Armoured Brigade at the 6th Armoured Division, historically linked to Zia-ul-Haq. During Operation Zarb-e-Azb, he acted as Brigadier Staff in North Waziristan and commanded an infantry brigade there, earning operational acclaim.
Rise to Senior Ranks
Promoted to Major General in June 2018, he became General Officer Commanding the 1st Armoured Division in Multan. He also held Chief of Staff at Corps Headquarters and instructed at Pakistan Military Academy and National Defence University.
On January 16, 2020, he assumed the pivotal role of 21st DG ISPR, succeeding Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, who moved to Okara. In October 2022, he reached Lieutenant General, third ISPR DG to do so after Asim Saleem Bajwa and Asif Ghafoor. He then commanded V Corps in Karachi.
In January 2025, amid a leadership reshuffle, he became President of National Defence University, Islamabad, succeeding in a key academic-military post. His trajectory highlights armored expertise and media-strategic prowess.
News & Controversies
Lt Gen Iftikhar's ISPR tenure thrust him into high-profile news. On October 27, 2022, he joined DG ISI Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum in a rare joint press conference, criticizing former PM Imran Khan's anti-military rhetoric. They addressed Khan's portrayal of Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as a "traitor" and motives behind such claims, amid political tensions.
He also discussed journalist Arshad Sharif's killing in Kenya, noting a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa threat alert issued on August 5, 2022, linked to TTP threats. This drew media outrage calls for investigation, with Iftikhar providing official context.
Neutral observers note these events occurred during Pakistan's polarized politics post-Khan ouster. Iftikhar emphasized army loyalty to the people, stating personnel can err but never betray. No personal controversies mar his record; focus remains institutional.
His DG ISPR role involved countering narratives on ceasefire violations and US conspiracy claims in Khan's removal, dismissed by the army. These engagements solidified his public spokesperson image.
Awards & Achievements
Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) (HI(M)): Conferred for gallantry and service, as noted in his title
Faculty roles at Pakistan Military Academy and National Defence University
Command in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, earning operational recognition
Third ISPR DG promoted to Lt Gen, historic milestone
Investiture ceremonies under his V Corps command highlighted unit awards
These honors reflect his contributions to armored operations, counter-terrorism, and public relations.
FAQ
Who is Babar Iftikhar's wife?
His wife's name is not publicly disclosed; he is married with four sons.
What is Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar's current position?
President of National Defence University, Islamabad, since January 2025.
What was Babar Iftikhar's role in Operation Zarb-e-Azb?
He commanded an infantry brigade and served as Brigadier Staff in North Waziristan.
What controversy involved Babar Iftikhar and Imran Khan?
In 2022, he criticized Khan's anti-army remarks in a press conference with DG ISI.
How many sons does Babar Iftikhar have?
Four sons.
What is Babar Iftikhar's military regiment?
Commissioned in 6th Lancers (Watson's Horse) in 1990.
Has Babar Iftikhar received any major awards?
Yes, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and operational commendations.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babar_Iftikhar
- https://www.thekhybermail.com/news/key-appointments-announced-in-pakistan-army-leadership-reshuffle/
- https://www.dawn.com/news/1528680
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- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJRYdusLkdU
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftikhar_Khan
- https://en.neonews.pk/16-Jan-2020/major-general-babar-iftikhar-replaces-asif-ghafoor-as-dg-ispr
- https://pk.linkedin.com/in/babar-iftikhar-6aa96914b
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- https://karachi.consulate.qa/en/media/news/detail/1445/07/11/lieutenant-general-baber-iftikhar-commander-v-corps-pakistan-army-received-his-excellency-consul-general
- https://theprint.in/opinion/i-now-speak-for-pakistan-army-and-unlike-ghafoor-my-actions-speak-louder-than-my-tweets/399562/
- https://www.pakdefense.com/blog/pakistan-army/president-of-islamic-republic-of-pakistan-confers-coveted-military-awards-to-the-brave-and-valiant-officers-and-soldiers-of-tri-armed-forces-of-sacred-country-pakistan/
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Babar_Iftikhar
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- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftikhar_Ahmed_Khan_Babar
- https://economictimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-appoints-maj-gen-iftikhar-as-new-military-spokesman/articleshow/73304802.cms
- https://www.scribd.com/document/611887497/Army-Chief-Qamar-Bajwa-s-Family-Became-Billionaires-Within-the-Last-Six-Years
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- https://www.timesnownews.com/opinion/world/the-billionaire-generals-pakistans-army-gets-rich-while-its-people-starve-article-118797671
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKOz78_f0Gc

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