Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has been particularly vocal about the dangers of misinformation and propaganda. He has repeatedly urged the youth to avoid falling prey to it during his interactions with students and young people. Recognizing the significance of this issue, he is deeply committed to encouraging the youth to focus on positivity and refrain from negative influences. Recently, during a visit to the University of Management and Technology (UMT), he met with the senior management, praising the university’s educational efforts. DG ISPR also held an interactive session with UMT students, faculty, and staff, where he discussed the vital role of the Pakistan Army in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and fostering its progress. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army is always prepared to defend the nation’s borders and remains determined to eliminate terrorism completely.
In his address, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry urged students to avoid engaging with negative propaganda, embrace their true identities, and contribute positively to Pakistan’s development. He emphasized that the Pakistan Army’s core mission is the defense and survival of Pakistan, a commitment that will never waver. “We will confront anti-state elements with unwavering resolve and firmly respond to any hostile intentions towards our sacred land,” stated DG ISPR. During the Q&A session, students raised a variety of questions, and Lt Gen Chaudhry provided insightful and factual answers, enlightening the younger generation. The students praised the Pakistan Army’s efforts and expressed a desire for more such sessions to bridge the gap between the youth and the military, clearing up misunderstandings. DG ISPR further assured that there should be no doubt about the unwavering support of Pakistan’s youth, particularly students, in standing by the Pakistan Army to protect the country. This support will play a crucial role in securing a brighter future for the nation. DG ISPR’s engagement with young people has had a positive impact and significantly reduced misinformation. Under his dynamic leadership, the ISPR has effectively tackled this challenge.
In today’s interconnected world, social media has become a dominant platform for communication, information sharing, and influencing public opinion. While social media offers many advantages, it also presents significant challenges, particularly regarding misinformation and propaganda. Like many nations, Pakistan is facing the harmful effects of negative propaganda, especially aimed at its military, the Pakistan Army. These campaigns, often driven by external actors or hostile forces, can damage the country’s reputation, national security, and unity. In response, Pakistan and the Pakistan Army have taken proactive measures to counteract propaganda, bolster national security, and protect the integrity of the armed forces. The Pakistan Army’s public relations wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has been at the forefront of these efforts to combat misinformation. Acknowledging the increasing impact of social media and the swift spread of misinformation, the ISPR created the Digital Media Wing (DMW) to effectively manage its online presence. The main goal of the DMW is to foster a positive narrative about the Pakistan Army while countering false narratives and negative propaganda. The DMW operates on various social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram, to engage with the public and provide accurate information. Through the DMW, the Pakistan Army has been able to swiftly and effectively address defamatory content and propaganda in real-time. By countering false claims with verified facts, the DMW plays a vital role in shaping public perception and safeguarding the military’s image. Recognizing the growing influence of social media as a tool for engaging both domestic and international audiences, the Pakistan Army has worked to strengthen its presence on platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. To counteract false narratives, the ISPR has launched various social media campaigns that highlight the positive contributions of the Pakistan Army in areas such as counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and national defense. These campaigns emphasize the military’s role in ensuring Pakistan’s safety and security.
To mitigate the impact of propaganda, Pakistan has enacted legal and regulatory measures to combat the spread of harmful content on social media. Robust cybersecurity laws, such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) introduced in 2016, criminalize online defamation, hate speech, and the dissemination of false information. Through these laws, the government can take legal action against individuals or groups responsible for spreading propaganda. Pakistan has also collaborated with social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube to ensure that fake news and hate speech are flagged and removed. Social media companies are encouraged to comply with local laws, and Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been empowered to take action against violators. In addition to combating social media propaganda, Pakistan has focused on enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure. The military, along with other government agencies, has established cyber defense units responsible for safeguarding critical information and systems from malicious attacks, including those designed to spread propaganda. Influencers and public figures wield significant influence over social media audiences, and their ability to shape opinions makes them a key component of Pakistan’s strategy to counter propaganda. The Pakistan Army and government have collaborated with celebrities, influencers, and prominent public figures to promote a positive narrative about the country and its military. These influential individuals use their social media platforms to share stories about the army’s sacrifices, its role in ensuring national security, and its contributions to humanitarian efforts. The military has also partnered with popular digital creators and content producers to develop videos, posts, and articles that highlight the army’s positive impact on the country. This collaboration helps amplify the truth and challenge negative stereotypes and false narratives. A united nation is less vulnerable to divisive propaganda.
In addition to combating external propaganda, Pakistan has focused on promoting national unity to safeguard the country’s integrity. National campaigns aimed at fostering unity, pride, and patriotism have been launched to strengthen the collective spirit of the nation. These campaigns seek to unite Pakistanis across ethnic, regional, and cultural lines, making them more resilient to divisive propaganda. By highlighting the diversity of Pakistan’s population and the role of all citizens in the nation’s progress, these campaigns foster a sense of shared responsibility and resistance to foreign interference and internal disinformation. There is a widespread call from the public for the full activation of firewalls to monitor and control social media and for stricter measures to address this issue.
By integrating efforts in digital media, cybersecurity, legal enforcement, and national unity, the Pakistani government and military are taking crucial steps to tackle the threats posed by misinformation and propaganda. Through these initiatives, Pakistan aims to protect its sovereignty, maintain public trust, and ensure that its positive contributions to both national and international security are accurately portrayed. The entire nation stands behind these efforts and rejects all forms of propaganda and misinformation intended to weaken or destabilize the country.