Abdul Basit Alvi
Presently, it’s admirable to observe Pakistan under the guidance of an Army Chief who communicates directly and offers lucid direction on all fronts. In a world inundated with noise, clarity serves as a beacon amid chaos. Whether in personal, professional, or societal domains, the capacity to articulate messages clearly is paramount. It’s reassuring to witness the clear stance of the Pakistani Army on national issues, as evidenced in the recent Corps Commanders Conference.
During this conference, presided over by Army Chief General Asim Munir, the commitment to pursue justice for the events of May 9 was reiterated. Stressing the imperative for swift and transparent legal proceedings against the perpetrators, it was emphasized that without such action, the nation would remain susceptible to conspiratorial elements. The Pakistan Army’s Public Relations Department, ISPR, revealed that the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference, chaired by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, saw attendance from Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all formation commanders. The assembly paid tribute to the martyrs and acknowledged their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. Deliberations spanned the geopolitical landscape, emerging security challenges, and strategies to counter multifaceted threats.
The forum affirmed the nation’s recognition of the deceitful intentions of propagandists and assured their eventual defeat. It was underscored that these elements, backed by foreign-sponsored proxies, sought to disrupt peace and development in Balochistan. The Army Chief lauded the outstanding performance of personnel in anti-terrorist operations, attributing it to rigorous training and high morale. The importance of national support in countering security threats was emphasized, alongside appreciation for Pakistan’s accomplishments on Takbeer Day.
Concerns were voiced regarding ongoing border violations from Afghanistan, particularly the exploitation of Afghan soil for terrorist activities targeting civilians within Pakistan. The sacrifices of individuals in newly merged districts against terrorism were acknowledged, underscoring development as pivotal for sustainable peace. The forum also addressed the situation on the eastern border, condemning extrajudicial killings of Kashmiris and expressing solidarity with their struggle for self-determination.
The rise of fascism in India and its repercussions on minority rights, especially Muslims, was denounced. Full solidarity with the Palestinian people was expressed, condemning human rights violations in Gaza and endorsing international efforts to cease military operations. The forum pledged support for government initiatives to combat illegal activities and foster economic development, including measures against smuggling and power theft. Commitment was reiterated to streamline administrative processes and ensure the dignified repatriation of illegal migrants.
Clear communication with explicit warnings to anti-state elements is laudable. Such clarity forms the cornerstone of effective interaction, nurturing comprehension, trust, and minimizing misunderstandings. Unfortunately, Pakistan currently contends with negative propaganda, a potent tool in shaping beliefs, influencing opinions, and molding behavior. Negative propaganda, in particular, is ubiquitous, disseminating false information, stoking fear, and eroding trust.
The primary goal of negative propaganda is to damage, discredit, or weaken individuals, organizations, or concepts. Utilizing diverse channels including mass media and social platforms, it frequently employs distortion and manipulation to fulfill its aims. This undermines confidence, promotes division, and suppresses open dialogue.
In the era of information, propaganda, particularly anti-state propaganda, represents a significant menace to stability, security, and cohesion. The intentional spread of false information and provocative language undermines the authority and unity of nations across various channels, including media platforms and extremist organizations. Through disinformation campaigns, subversive messaging, or calls to violence, anti-state propaganda seeks to undermine public confidence, sow discord, and disrupt governance structures. It erodes the credibility and effectiveness of governmental institutions such as executive bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary, thereby weakening the foundations of governance and impairing state functionality.
By exploiting grievances, exacerbating divisions, and inciting dissent, anti-state propaganda fuels social turmoil. It thrives on socioeconomic disparities, ethnic tensions, and ideological differences to foment discord and polarization within societies. Furthermore, it poses a threat to national security by disseminating false narratives, recruiting supporters, and instigating aggression. Hostile foreign actors, extremist groups, or domestic agitators may employ it to undermine the state and its security apparatus. By promoting narratives that undermine national identity, heritage, and unity, anti-state propaganda undermines the social fabric of the nation. It seeks to fragment communities along ethnic, religious, or ideological lines, fostering feelings of alienation and disunity among citizens. Moreover, it can strain diplomatic relations between nations by spreading misinformation, fostering distrust, and escalating tensions, thereby impeding international cooperation and diplomacy and hindering progress toward peaceful conflict resolution and addressing global challenges.
Pakistan’s Army Chief has adopted a resolute stance against the proliferation of negative propaganda. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has emphasized that negative propaganda and social media trolling will not deter the nation from its path toward the advancement and prosperity of Pakistan and its people. Speaking at a Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) conference few weeks ago, General Asim asserted that the unwavering support of the armed forces, combined with the collective determination of the nation, will thwart all adversarial forces seeking to obstruct Pakistan’s progress. He called upon the populace to unite in rejecting the influence of these harmful elements, emphasizing the significance of resilience and solidarity in confronting such challenges. General Asim reiterated that negative propaganda and social media trolling would not deter the nation from its pursuit of growth and prosperity, cautioning against any efforts to sow instability.
“In today’s era, achieving complete independence without economic stability is not feasible, and Pakistan will not tolerate any instability on its journey towards prosperity and development. Let us all unite in repelling negative forces and focusing on Pakistan’s trajectory of progress and stability,” he affirmed.
The military’s media division underscored the diverse initiatives of the GPI aimed at ensuring food security and enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan. Gen Asim stressed the importance of Pakistan’s hardworking and resilient populace uniting for national progress. He pledged full support from the Pakistan Army for the country’s economic advancement, highlighting how the Army’s efforts would bolster overall national security and well-being.
At another event, addressing the passing out parade of the Pakistan Air Force, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the imperative of respecting constitutional boundaries. He underscored that while the armed forces understand their constitutional limitations, they also expect others to uphold the constitution. General Munir cited Article 19 of the constitution, which delineates the parameters of freedom of speech and expression. He reiterated the importance of adhering to these constitutional constraints and refraining from baseless accusations against others.
In Pakistan, a minority engages in anti-state activities, not only undermining the nation but also attempting to tarnish the reputation of its armed forces. In countries where the military plays a crucial role in ensuring security and sovereignty, targeting the armed forces with propaganda can have far-reaching consequences. As a symbol of national defense and cohesion, the Army often becomes a primary target for malicious narratives aimed at undermining its credibility, eroding public trust, and destabilizing the nation.
In many countries, Pakistan included, the Army serves not just as a military entity but also as a fundamental pillar of national identity, unity, and stability. Besides its core defense responsibilities, the Army frequently engages in disaster relief, infrastructure development, and upholding law and order. Its reputation and efficacy are intricately tied to the nation’s sense of security and prosperity.
Propaganda directed against the Army takes various forms, such as disinformation campaigns, smear tactics, and subversive messaging. Both domestic and international actors may exploit grievances, manipulate public opinion, and sow discord to diminish the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Army. Whether through distorted portrayals of military operations, accusations of corruption or human rights violations, or efforts to incite dissent within the ranks, propaganda poses a significant threat to the Army’s reputation and its mission.
Such propaganda erodes public trust in the institution entrusted with safeguarding national security. By spreading falsehoods and nurturing distrust, it weakens the connection between the Army and the civilian population, hindering efforts to effectively address security challenges. Malicious propaganda has the potential to destabilize the nation by fueling social unrest, heightening ethnic or religious tensions, and undermining the rule of law. Internal divisions diminish the country’s resilience against external threats and create vulnerabilities that adversaries may exploit.
False narratives and smear campaigns can also undermine morale and unity within the military ranks, compromising operational readiness and effectiveness. Doubt and mistrust among soldiers can weaken unit cohesion, impede decision-making, and jeopardize mission success.
Recently, a group in Britain plotting against Pakistan’s armed forces faced failure despite support from “RAW.” Anti-Pakistani elements have conspired to discredit the country’s armed forces, with Adil Raja, a fugitive and convicted Pakistan Army officer, playing a central role in executing this scheme. India’s intelligence agency, “RAW,” is also implicated in this plot. Shayan Ali, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf activist in Britain, is also involved in this group, with Adil Raja’s alleged contact in RAW being Rohit Sharma. Audio recordings surfaced on the dark web, revealing that Adil Raja received instructions and funding from the Indian agency “RAW” to incite political and social unrest in Pakistan. The Pakistani government should seek the extradition of Pakistani citizens residing in Britain involved in this scheme. This was not just an attack on the armed forces but a coordinated effort to undermine Pakistan’s stability. To counter such conspiracies originating from Britain, these individuals should be prosecuted in Pakistani courts for their betrayal. Every Pakistani, alongside the Pakistani forces, bears the responsibility to ensure that those who betray the nation and jeopardize its integrity are held accountable. It’s imperative to use all available means to attain justice.
On a different note, a post credited to Shabar Zaidi raised questions about the activities of forty thousand troops during times of peace. However, it was a deliberate misinterpretation of Zaidi’s remarks, taken out of context. Zaidi’s actual proposal pertained to the implementation of geo-fencing for traders, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economy, an idea endorsed by the Pakistan Army. To find Shabbar Zaidi’s statement within its original context, the post can be seen on X and Zaidi’s podcast.
Regrettably, in Pakistan, propaganda against the nation and its armed forces frequently cloaks itself under the guise of freedom of expression. In an age of digital interconnectedness and global information dissemination, discerning between genuine freedom of expression and detrimental propaganda has become increasingly challenging. While freedom of expression stands as a crucial human right essential for the functioning of democratic societies, negative propaganda poses a significant threat to truth, trust, and societal cohesion. Freedom of expression forms the cornerstone of democracy, entrenched in international human rights treaties and upheld as a fundamental liberty in democratic nations. It encompasses the right to seek, receive, and share information and ideas through any medium without hindrance or censorship. Essentially, freedom of expression empowers individuals to express diverse viewpoints, challenge authority, and engage in public discourse without fear of reprisal or persecution.
In contrast, negative propaganda entails the deliberate dissemination of false or misleading information with the intent to deceive, manipulate, or incite harm. Unlike legitimate forms of dissent or critique, negative propaganda seeks to erode trust in institutions, exacerbate societal rifts, and undermine democratic values. It often exploits vulnerabilities in the information landscape, such as social media algorithms and echo chambers, to amplify its reach and impact. Whereas freedom of expression is rooted in the pursuit of truth, the exchange of ideas, and the advancement of knowledge, negative propaganda is propelled by hidden agendas like advancing political motives, fomenting violence, or sowing discord for ideological purposes. It is crucial to differentiate between genuine expressions of opinion and the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods or misinformation. While freedom of expression encompasses a wide array of viewpoints, including contentious or unpopular ones, it is imperative to prioritize truth and accuracy. Negative propaganda relies on falsehoods, distortion, and manipulation, often sacrificing truth and accuracy to achieve its objectives. Responsible discourse necessitates a commitment to fact-checking, verification, and evidence-based reasoning. Although freedom of expression fosters informed public discourse and democratic exchange, negative propaganda can result in diminished trust in institutions, societal division, and the encouragement of violence or prejudice. It’s crucial to recognize the potential damage inflicted by propaganda and to take measures to alleviate its effects while safeguarding the right to free speech.
Acknowledging the gravity of this danger, numerous countries have enacted rigorous measures to combat anti-state propaganda and disinformation. China, for example, has implemented a comprehensive strategy to counter such propaganda, especially regarding national security and social stability. Through technological censorship, strict regulations, and extensive surveillance, the Chinese government manages information flow and quells dissenting voices. Platforms like WeChat and Weibo are closely monitored, with content deemed subversive or anti-state swiftly removed. Additionally, China has enacted laws criminalizing the dissemination of rumors or false information online, imposing severe penalties on offenders.
Similarly, Russia has been employing sophisticated propaganda tactics to further its geopolitical objectives and undermine perceived adversaries. Through entities such as the Internet Research Agency (IRA) and state-controlled media outlets like RT and Sputnik, the Russian government has been implicated in spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories aimed at sowing discord and undermining trust in democratic institutions. In response, nations like the United States and members of the European Union have imposed sanctions, expelled diplomats, and bolstered cybersecurity defenses to counter Russian propaganda and interference in internal affairs.
Turkey faces challenges from both domestic and foreign sources of anti-state propaganda and misinformation. The Turkish government has taken a proactive stance in addressing perceived threats to national security, especially following the failed coup attempt in 2016. Authorities have implemented measures to suppress independent media outlets, social media users, and opposition figures accused of spreading false information or inciting unrest. Additionally, Turkey has introduced initiatives to regulate online content and combat digital platforms that resist government censorship requests. Likewise, Pakistan maintains the complete prerogative to counteract entities disseminating negative propaganda.
It is heartening to note that despite malicious endeavors by adversaries to undermine, tarnish, and destabilize the nation, Pakistan perseveres in advancing towards prosperity and advancement. Recent assessments from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), State Bank, and Bureau of Statistics indicate a favorable trend in Pakistan’s economic performance. These reports underscore the initiatives undertaken by the State Bank of Pakistan to tackle policy challenges and guide the economy toward positive outcomes. Over the past nine months, Pakistan’s economic outlook has improved compared to 2023, with projections indicating a potential decrease in the inflation rate to 15% by 2025. According to the Pakistan Economic Outlook report, the Pakistani Rupee has stabilized against the dollar, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange has shown a bullish trend. The State Bank forecasts GDP growth between 2 to 3 percent, attributing this to the agricultural sector’s performance, especially in crops like wheat, rice, maize, and cotton during the fiscal year 2024. The agricultural sector saw significant growth, exceeding 7 percent. Additionally, an increase in remittances contributed to a $619 million rise in the current account, as reported by the Central Bank.
The entire nation stands united in support of the Army chief’s and the Pak Army’s stance on national issues, and also supports the military’s firm stance against anti-state elements. The nation unanimously demands punishment for the culprits of the May 9 incidents, who did what our enemies could not do in seven decades. The families and souls of our martyrs also seek strict punishment for the enemies of our homeland and armed forces. The nation unequivocally rejects negative propaganda and misinformation targeting the country and the Pakistan Army. Despite the nefarious intentions of internal and external adversaries, Pakistan remains steadfast in its pursuit of growth and development.
