General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), stated on Wednesday that it was the state’s duty to shield the populace from the harmful effects of social media. The army chief stated: “It is the responsibility of the state to keep the public away from the implications of social media-induced hysteria and fitna,” in a statement posted on social media platform X by state broadcaster PTV.
The army chief and the armed forces have previously issued numerous cautions against the risks associated with social media, the most recent of which was made today. Social media campaigns against the army have grown more intense over the last few years, which is indicative of deeper divisions in the political and social fabric of the nation.
The administration has responded with harsh measures meant to control the narrative and quell dissent, frequently working in concert with the military. Due to these efforts, social media users and journalists have been the target of multiple arrests and legal actions for allegedly disseminating “negative propaganda” about the government and military. As a result, internet access has been restricted and sites like X have been banned.
The military has adopted a tough stance against social media criticism, with Gen. Munir himself issuing a warning that the platform is being used to propagate misinformation and chaos directed at the armed services. The military is increasingly using the phrase “digital terrorism” to characterize the way its most vocal opponents, such as PTI activists, use the internet to disseminate false information.
During his remaining remarks today, the army commander stated that the nation’s security and progress could only be ensured by a strong bond between the people, the government, and the army. The army chief questioned, “Where are those who were creating the narrative of Pakistan’s default today?” The country’s “biggest and most valuable asset,” he declared, is its youth, who would not be permitted to “go to waste under any circumstances.”
When questioned about the 49 people who died in a wave of tribal violence in Parachinar last month, the army chief suggested that the tribes get together and work to resolve their differences. Together with the Pakistan Army, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood against terrorism for 22 years, resembling an iron wall. The COAS declared, “I think God will give us the victory over terrorism.”
Social media and digital terrorism
The army chief made a broad address during a parade to celebrate Independence Day, blaming foreign forces for a wave of “digital terrorism” that he claimed was intended to sever ties between Pakistani citizens and state institutions. Gen. Munir declared that anti-terror efforts falling under the purview of vision ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ were imperative and that those attempting to sow divisions of this kind would only be let down.
He had issued a warning on August 8 about social media being used as a vehicle for the development of “anarchy.” General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, a spokesman for the military, claimed earlier this month that insufficient legal action was being taken to combat “digital terrorism,” which was allowing propaganda and false information to proliferate across the nation.
He had stated, “The country’s laws must regulate and prevent digital terrorism, but regrettably, you can see that lies, propaganda, fake news, and doctored images continue to spread while confusion is created in the public’s mind, particularly on social media.”
The army announced a strong resolve to fight and defeat anti-military activities spreading across internet platforms in May, branding the mounting criticism leveled at it as “digital terrorism.” After the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference, a statement was made that indicated the military was becoming more rigid in its response to online opposition and hinted at a potential crackdown on the dissidents.
The military’s response had occurred in the wake of a post made by PTI founder Imran Khan on his X account, in which he encouraged his supporters to read the Hamoodur Rehman Commission Report, which details the circumstances that led to East Pakistan’s independence. On July 5, the phrase reappeared in the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference. The goal of the “onslaught of politically motivated digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators, duly abetted by their foreign cohorts against state institutions,” according to the attendees, was to spread propaganda, fake news, and blatant lies to sow discord and induce despondency in the country.
During a press conference last month, the military spokesperson claimed that a false narrative was being spread on social media against the army and its leadership, portraying “digital terrorists” as using devices like computers, smartphones, lies, and propaganda to impose their will on society in a manner “similar to that of terrorists.”
