Cross-Border Terrorism: Denials Amidst Disturbing Patterns

Cross-Border Terrorism: Denials Amidst Disturbing Patterns

In 2023, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) militancy landscape resembled the pre-2014 era, marked by heightened volatility. Unlike the pre-2014 period, the recent upsurge has different roots. Following the imposition of the National Action Plan (NAP), Pakistan Security Forces eradicated terrorism through military operations, eliminating terrorists. This success brought relief to the people, especially in KP, until August 2021—the fall of Kabul. With the Afghan Taliban (Imarat-e-Islami Afghanistan, IIA) assuming control of Afghanistan, Pakistan faces a resurgence of the same menace.
Following Operation Radd Ul Fasad, Zarb-e-Azab and various other impactful military operations, the remaining militant groups including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) along with its leadership relocated to Afghanistan. There they aligned with Afghan Taliban and fought against American forces. Despite the commitments made by Afghan Interim government under Doha agreement, assuring the world that Afghan soil would not be used against any other country. Nonetheless; feeling indebted, the Afghan Taliban are now reluctant to take action against TTP and other militants’ organization conducting terrorist activities within Pakistan from their safe sanctuaries in the bordering areas of Afghanistan. Not only Pakistan, but this reluctance and hostile position of Tehrik-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA) led Afghan government also irked other of its neighbours.
Two years have passed since Taliban takeover of Kabul. But despite the optimistic expectations from Pakistani state and people, cross-border terrorism is escalating day-by-day posing a substantial threat to Pakistan’s national security, stability and lives of its citizens and security forces. The southern districts of Pakistan, in close proximity to Afghanistan frontiers, bear most of the brunt of this cross-border terrorism.

The attack on a military post in Daraban in district DI Khan on the night of December 10 and 11, 2023, claimed by the Tehrik e Jihad e Pakistan (TJP), underscores the urgency addressing of cross-border terrorism. Since August 15, (fall of Kabul), DI Khan alone has experienced 63 militant attacks leading to approximately 125 casualties, primarily among Security Forces which represent a sharp contrast to the year before 2021. Not only DI Khan but also its adjoining southern districts witnessed a significant surge in militant attacks.

The conspicuous inference from the high-profiled attacks by militants, using sophisticated weaponry and gadgets, suggests perpetrators’ backing from a superior force. The evidences point towards the safe haven of militants in Afghanistan. This raises significant concerns and questions about the Afghan interim government’s conduct and its priorities regarding regional stability and future prospects of its relations with its immediate neighbours, especially Pakistan.

The responsibility of DI Khan attack has been claimed by Tehreek Jehad-e-Pakistan (TJP) which is a cover name employed by TTP to conceal its Afghan connection as TJP is portraying itself as Pakistan-based organization. However; fact remains, they are indeed part of TTP and are operating from Afghanistan.

So far, TJP took credit for seven of the deadliest attacks with in Pakistan mostly carried out against Pakistan Security forces. The pattern strongly suggests an agenda against Pakistan and indicates its links with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan residing in Afghanistan. Despite denials of collaboration by both the militant organizations, this consistent pattern of manipulation reflects a deliberate strategy to avoid public acknowledgment of their alliance.

The recent attacks serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing terrorism threat, posing a challenge to peace and stability in the region. Despite Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism, there is skepticism about the likelihood of the current administration in Kabul addressing Pakistan’s legitimate concerns. The perceived reluctance of the Kabul government to address these concerns not only fosters uncertainty but also provides an opportunity for Pakistan’s traditional adversaries to undermine its national morale. Surge in militant activities amid preparations for the upcoming general elections (8 Feb 2024) also raises concerns. Taking security actions against perpetrators within our western neighbor’s borders could be exploited for propaganda, potentially disrupting the democratic process during this crucial time. This will also allow other hostile countries including India to exploit diplomatic opportunities and portray Pakistan negatively.

The Afghan Taliban’s failure to uphold their commitments demands a proactive diplomatic approach from Pakistan. A robust strategy should focus on a quid pro quo: international recognition of the IEA regime in exchange for verifiable actions against TTP and its splinter groups on Afghan soil. Additionally, Pakistan should advocate for a multilateral, inclusive government in Kabul. Pakistan’s move to repatriate illegal Afghan refugees is a positive step, especially when faced with Afghanistan’s apparent disinterest in mutual cooperation and regional stability. Pakistan should also engage with Afghan Interim government using formal channels regarding the issues of cross-border terrorism threats, border security, biliteral trade.

The trajectory of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in the future hinges on a multitude of factors. Primarily, the pivotal determinant is the extent to which Afghanistan takes concrete steps to assuage Pakistan’s concerns related to cross-border terrorism. This involves a proactive approach in containing militant entities, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and preventing the use of Afghan territory as a base for launching attacks against Pakistan. Beyond security considerations, the prospects of a positive bilateral relationship are intrinsically tied to collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing communication, fostering trust, and promoting economic cooperation. The diplomatic landscape will significantly ben efit from a multifaceted approach that addresses these core issues, ultimately paving the way for a more stable and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.

Populist Politics: Analyzing Imran Khan's Era

Populist Politics: Analyzing Imran Khan’s Era

SALMAN AHMAD

Populism, a political ideology fueled by people’s antagonism against elites and their perceived corruption, has emerged as a significant phenomenon in several countries, Pakistan included. Populism emphasizes the interests of the common people over the corrupt elites, based on the distinction between two groups in a society: the poor and the corrupt elites. Populist leaders often appeal to the emotions and sentiments of the public by promising to address their grievances and solve their problems. History bears testimony to the fact that these appeals often lack rationale and facts.

The emergence of populist politics can be traced back to the Farmers Alliance of the 1840s in the United States and to Latin American populism in the mid-20th century.  The great recession of 2008 is considered a catalyst for sparking populism in Europe and America. Prominent populist figures in recent history across the world include USA’s Donald Trump, Turkiye’s Recep Tayyab Erdogan, Italy’s Matteo Salvini, Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, France’s Marine Le Pen, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte.

Populism in South Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India is somehow different from that of Europe and America. The issues concerning populism in Asia are countering elites, poverty, corruption and minority-related issues. In the Pakistani context, family dynasties in politics i.e., Bhutto and Sharif families, remained the main targets of populism. Populism remained a prominent feature of Pakistan’s politics since its inception in 1947. Several politicians such as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, his Daughter Benazir Bhutto, and recently Imran Khan employed populist rhetoric and familiarised populist policies to get the masses’ support for ruling the country.

In recent years, Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, emerged as a prominent populist leader. He rose to power in 2018 utilising populist rhetoric of anti-corruption and economic reforms, and a promise to create “Naya (New) Pakistan” that would be free from the influence of the country’s traditional political elites. Using populist rhetoric Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), won most of the National Assembly (NA) seats allowing him to become the prime minister of the country. Being a marginal player in the country’s politics, it was a significant achievement for him. However, questions raised over the fairness and transparency of the elections.

Social scientists and scholars have highlighted a number of characteristics of populism and a populist leader. Most of the scholars criticised the populist ideology and some termed it as a potential challenge for real democracy. Populist leaders create a narrative that the earlier power elites only served their own interests and never actually represent the people. And the people will rule the country if that populist leader was chosen to rule.  Populist leaders around the world possess common attributes and characteristics; some of these characteristics are briefly discussed and the conduct of Imran Khan as a populist leader has been analysed in light of these characteristics.

“We are the pure people; they are the corrupt leaders”; is the universal catch-phrase being used by populists implying that the populist leader and his followers are the embodiment of the true will and interest of the people portraying the established power elites as corrupt, self-serving and disconnected from the needs and concerns of the common people.  By doing so, they seek to delegitimise the existing elites and present themselves as a viable alternative. In Imran Khan’s discourse, the root cause of all the problems in Pakistan is corruption within the ruling elites (hidden from the eyes of common people) which has led to economic downfall and resulted in unemployment, inflation, and foreign debt.

Populist leaders exacerbate polarisation anddivision within the society, institutions and media, framing the political debate as ‘us’ (populists) versus ‘them’ (opposition). They foster an “either with us or against us” mentality making it difficult for constructive dialogue and pluralism. This polarisation often led to conflict within the society and institutions destined for anarchy and chaos. Imran Khan’s populist program was also based on polarisation and confrontational rhetoric which contributed to the political instability and chaos in the country. PTI-led government remained in unprecedented confrontation with the opposition throughout his tenure as prime minister of the country.

Populist leaders tend to manipulate liberal democratic institutions and processes i.e., elections, to gain power and legitimise their rule. They try to undermine and often weaken democratic institutions by eroding the independence and credibility of these institutions. Constitutional and valued neutrality of democratic institutions often remains suspended under a populist leader. Imran Khan undermined the authority of the constitutional institutions including the Election Commission, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies during his tenure as prime minister of the country. As a populist leader, he pressurised institutions for personal and political gains. Imran Khan’s victory in the 2018 General Elections was subjected to controversy and allegations of fraud. Analysts and critics argue that the lack of transparency and fairness in the electoral process has damaged the credibility of Pakistan’s democratic institutions under Khan’s rule.    Populist leaders often demonstrate a reluctance to acknowledge or value the significance of opposition within a democratic system. They attempt to discredit opposition by questioning their legitimacy, portraying them as part of corrupt elites and labelling them as enemies of the people. They use derogatory language and dismiss opposing voices terming them as irrelevant. The Khan-led previous government used all its might to suppress opposition by putting almost all key opposition leaders in jails. It took extreme measures to suppress opposition voices within the politicians, civil society and media. The accusations of influencing the judiciary were levelled against Imran Khan for gaining an advantage over his political opponents. He created an uneven playing field for the opposition and undermined the fairness of the country’s democratic process.

Another key characteristic of populist leaders or governments is targeting the independence of media and suppression of critical voices. They tend to attack journalists and media organisations labeling them asenemies or opponents while undermining their credibility.

Through media management and control, populist leaders attempt to shape public narratives, restrict access to alternative viewpoints and limit media’s ability to hold them accountable.  Media in Pakistan under Imran Khan was subjected to the worst kind of persecution in the democratic history of the country. Journalists were pressurised and maltreated, and media organisations were forced to remove those who were critical to the government.  During the Imran Khan era, civil society organisations including NGOs, advocacy forums and human rights organisations were also discredited. Intimidation tactics were used by the government to restrict activities of civil society, limited their funding and shrunk enabling environment for the activists.

Some populist leaders have also known to exhibit a tendency to challenge and undermine checks and balances which are the significant aspects of a democratic system. By reducing checks and balances (imposed by the state institutions) the populist leaders exert control over the decision-making process and limit accountability. Populist leaders deny the balance of power because they usually don’t believe in accountability and think that they are always right. Imran Khan also exerted the same tendency during his regime. He targeted accountability organisations, pressurised courts and attacked the credibility of the organisations responsible for accountability.    Populist leaders tend to make decisions based on personal or narrow interests rather than following an established democratic process or consulting a diverse range of stockholders. They also try to present unrealistic and over-simplistic solutions to the most complex issues aimed at appeasing the voters. Policies driven by unrealistic expectations most of the time have potentially harmful consequences and do not adequately address the root causes of the problems.  Khan’s populist policies were the establishment of a welfare state, the provision of millions of Jobs and houses for the poor and the introduction of bizarre business models. These promises seem very attractive on their face but materializing them requires the capacity lacking by the then government.

The current political turmoil in Pakistan, which is the result of various factors including Imran Khan’s populist politics, has significant impacts on the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. These impacts include economic instability, social unrest, and political polarisation, which all have negative consequences for people’s well-being and quality of life. Pakistani people cannot afford this political turmoil anymore. This country needs stable and effective governance to address challenges and promote the well-being of all of its citizens.

Empowering minorities through government policies and programs

Empowering minorities through government policies and programs

Empowering minorities through government policies and programs

Salman Ahmad

Pakistan, with Muslims being in majority, is a multi-religion and multi-racial country. Abiding by the 1973 Constitution of the republic and Islamic principles, the state and its institutions are bound to safeguard the rights of its religious minorities.  Article 26 of the constitution states that there must be no discrimination against any citizen on the basis of religion, gender, caste, race and residence etc. Article 36 of this constitution exclusively ensures protection of the legitimate rights and interests of minorities through the state, including their proper representations in the provincial and federal services.

            Keeping the negative propaganda regarding the suppression of minorities in the country aside; Pakistan as a state has always prioritized the protection of the rights of its religious minorities and made it possible for them to freely practice their religion. Major minority groups in Pakistan make up to four per cent of the population with Christians at 1.59%, Hindus at 1.60%, and Ismaili and Qadianis make 0.22 %. The state not only provides security to them but also facilitated a wholesome infrastructure for the religious practices of the minorities. Currently; there are 2652 Churches (one church per 864 Christians), 732Temples (one Temple per 2734 Hindus) and 167 Gurdwaras (one Gurdwara for 55 Sikhs) exist across the country.

            Concrete steps have been taken for the empowerment of minorities in Pakistan. They are provided with equal rights to education, health, the right to vote and opportunities in jobs and businesses. Minority members are working in senior positions in the bureaucracy and in the Army. Ten seats in the national assembly, four seats in the senate of Pakistan and several other seats in all provincial assemblies of Pakistan have also been reserved for the minorities. These steps also include the re-constitution of The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) where members of minority communities have surpassed the Muslims’. The federal government, in addition to the open merit, has specified a five percent job quota for minorities in government services. On the directions of NCM, the implementation status of the job quota is to be strictly observed by provincial governments, federal ministries, divisions, FPSC, and Islamabad, however, due to lack of education etc, it is not completely filled. The objective behind these enormous steps is empowering minorities and creating an enabling environment for them within the boundaries of the republic.Moreover; Pakistan’s parliament and judiciary remain vanguards in securing the rights of minorities and ascertaining equal opportunities for them. Especially; the judiciary is leading the war on any reported violations of HR vis-à-vis minorities. Attorney General for Pakistan’s (AGP) office has taken initiative by appointing minority lawyers as law officers in different provinces. It is being suggested that a SC Human Rights cell, should also be established to entertain applications regarding the grievances of minorities in the country.

            The Supreme Court’s judgment on Article 20 righted many historical wrongs and has gone steps further in its implementation. The SC’s pro-minority attitude was a real-life example, as when Chief Justice Jawad S. Khawaja protected a Hindu temple from extremists in the Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Criminal cases were registered against 123 miscreants involved in this incident. Former Chief justice Asif Saeed Khosa wrote a courageous concurrence acquitting Aasia Bibi, the accused of blasphemy, that infuriated the religious elements inside the country. Supreme Court also took notice of several incidents of forced conversion in the province of Sindh and the attack on the Christian community at Gojra, Punjab. Similarly, the ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) also clubbed another issue that the Kalash tribe and Ismailies in Chitral were being coerced to convert to a different sect within Islam or to face death. The three-judge bench of the apex court led ex CJP Jilani considered all such issues and passed a 32-page landmark judgment on June 19, 2014.

            Keeping its pace with the judiciary, the parliament of Pakistan has also shown enormous commitment to securing minority rights.  On 8 Dec 2020, KP Assembly passed a bill for the creation of Endowment Funds for Minorities. Minority students’ scholarship rates have doubled w.e.f 25 Mar 2014. The provision of vocational education for children of Hindus and Sikhs at Government expenses has also been approved by ETPB on 15 Jan 2021. The sindh government has passed the Sindh Hindu Marriage Act 2016 (amended in 2018), to facilitate the Hindu community to solemnize their marriages in accordance with the Sindh Hindu marriage Rules, 2019.

            At the Federal level, National Assembly has enacted the Hindu Marriage Act 2017 which extended to the whole of Pakistan except Sindh. Blasphemy laws are applied indiscriminately. Since 2005, 55 individuals convicted of blasphemy offences which include 46 Muslims, 7 Christians, one Hindu, and one Qadiani (Muslims 84%, minorities 16 %). Minorities convicted of blasphemy are given fair trials and rights of appeal in higher Judiciary. The acquittal of Asia Bibi, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emanuel etc. by higher Judiciary are significant cases in point.

In the education sector, a Single National Curriculum (SNC) will be introduced at the primary level in all educational institutions of Pakistan in which five minorities’ religions will be taught in the school. SNC is completely free of all elements of intolerance and hate speech. This curriculum is to be implemented in all public and private schools and Deeni Madaris across Pakistan.

Apart from the Interfaith Harmony Policy at the federal level, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken a number of initiatives to promote interfaith harmony including the official declaration and celebration of minorities days, to recognize the contribution of religious minorities towards nation-building. Ten events of minority religions are being celebrated at the official level in Pakistan to promote understanding and harmony among all segments of society. These festivals include Christmas and Easter for Christians, Holi and Diwali for Hindus, Biasakhi and Birthday of Guru Nanak for Sikhs, Nauroze for Zoroastrians, Eid-e-Ridvan for Bahi’s, Festival of Lights for Buddhist community and Chelum Jhust for Kalash community.

Pakistan has also taken significant steps for the promotion of religious tourism and promoting religious harmony. Opening the historical Grudawara Kartarpur Corridor, Shewala Teja Mandir and Gurdwara Choa Sahib (Jehlum), holding Baba Guru Nanak 550th birthday celebrations, hosting more than 60000 Yatrees from across the world and filling up Amer Kund (Holy Water) at Katas Raj are some the many initiatives Pakistan has taken for promoting religious tourism and religious harmony.

The Government of Pakistan is committed to implementing the constitution of Pakistan in its true spirit and in the light of Islamic principles and the international declaration of human rights to protect the rights and lives of minorities in Pakistan.

minorities-rights

Minority Rights as Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Pakistan

By Salman Ahmad

Pakistan, with Muslims being in majority, is a multi-religion and multi-racial country. Abiding by the 1973 Constitution of the republic and Islamic principles, the state and its institutions are bound to safeguard the rights of its religious minorities.  Article 26 of the constitution states that there must be no discrimination against any citizen on the basis of religion, gender, caste, race and residence etc. Article 36 of this constitution exclusively ensures protection of the legitimate rights and interests of minorities through the state, including their proper representations in the provincial and federal services.

Keeping the negative propagandas regarding the suppression of minorities in the country aside; Pakistan as a state has always prioritized protection of the rights of its religious minorities and made it possible for them to freely practice their religion. Major minority groups in Pakistan make up to four per cent of the population with Christians at 1.59%, Hindus at 1.60%, and Ismaili and Qadianis make 0.22 %. The state not only provides security to them but also facilitated a wholesome infrastructure for the religious practices of the minorities. Currently; there are 2652 Churches (one church per 864 Christians), 732 Temples (one Temple per 2734 Hindus) and 167 Gurdwaras (one Gurdwara for 55 Sikhs) exist across the country.

Concrete steps have been taken for the empowerment of minorities in Pakistan. They are provided with equal rights to education, health, the right to vote and opportunities in jobs and businesses. Minority members are working in senior positions in the bureaucracy and in the Army. Ten seats in the national assembly, four seats in the senate of Pakistan and several other seats in all provincial assemblies of Pakistan have also been reserved for the minorities. These steps also include the re-constitution of The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) where members of minority communities have surpassed the Muslims’. The federal government, in addition to the open merit, has specified a five percent job quota for minorities in government services. On the directions of NCM, the implementation status of the job quota is to be strictly observed by provincial governments, federal ministries, divisions, FPSC, and Islamabad, however, due to lack of education etc, it is not completely filled. The objective behind these enormous steps is empowering minorities and creating an enabling environment for them within the boundaries of the republic.

Moreover; Pakistan’s parliament and judiciary remain vanguards in securing the rights of minorities and ascertaining equal opportunities for them. Especially; the judiciary is leading the war on any reported violations of HR vis-à-vis minorities. Attorney General for Pakistan’s (AGP) office has taken initiative by appointing minority lawyers as law officers in different provinces. It is being suggested that an SC Human Rights cell, should also be established to entertain applications regarding the grievances of minorities in the country.

The Supreme Court’s judgment on Article 20 righted many historical wrongs and has gone steps further in its implementation. The SC’s pro-minority attitude was a real-life example, as when Chief Justice Jawad S. Khawaja protected a Hindu temple from extremists in the Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Criminal cases were registered against 123 miscreants involved in this incident. Former Chief justice Asif Saeed Khosa wrote a courageous concurrence acquitting Aasia Bibi, the accused of blasphemy, that infuriated the religious elements inside the country. Supreme Court also took notice of several incidents of forced conversion in the province of Sindh and the attack on the Christian community at Gojra, Punjab. Similarly, the ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) also clubbed another issue that the Kalash tribe and Ismailies in Chitral were being coerced to convert to a different sect within Islam or to face death. The three-judge bench of the apex court led ex CJP Jilani considered all such issues and passed a 32-page landmark judgment on June 19, 2014.

Keeping its pace with the judiciary, the parliament of Pakistan has also shown enormous commitment to securing minority rights.  On 8 Dec 2020, KP Assembly passed a bill for the creation of Endowment Funds for Minorities. Minority students’ scholarship rates have doubled w.e.f 25 Mar 2014. The provision of vocational education for children of Hindus and Sikhs at Government expenses has also been approved by ETPB on 15 Jan 2021. The sindh government has passed the Sindh Hindu Marriage Act 2016 (amended in 2018), to facilitate the Hindu community to solemnize their marriages in accordance with the Sindh Hindu marriage Rules, 2019.

At the Federal level, National Assembly has enacted the Hindu Marriage Act 2017 which extended to the whole of Pakistan except Sindh. Blasphemy laws are applied indiscriminately. Since 2005, 55 individuals convicted of blasphemy offences which include 46 Muslims, 7 Christians, one Hindu, and one Qadiani (Muslims 84%, minorities 16 %). Minorities convicted of blasphemy are given fair trials and rights of appeal in higher Judiciary. The acquittal of Asia Bibi, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emanuel etc. by higher Judiciary are significant cases in point.

In the education sector, a Single National Curriculum (SNC) will be introduced at the primary level in all educational institutions of Pakistan in which five minorities’ religions will be taught in the school. SNC is completely free of all elements of intolerance and hate speech. This curriculum is to be implemented in all public and private schools and Deeni Madaris across Pakistan.

Apart from the Interfaith Harmony Policy at the federal level, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken a number of initiatives to promote interfaith harmony including the official declaration and celebration of minorities days, to recognize the contribution of religious minorities towards nation-building. Ten events of minority religions are being celebrated at the official level in Pakistan to promote understanding and harmony among all segments of society. These festivals include Christmas and Easter for Christians, Holi and Diwali for Hindus, Biasakhi and Birthday of Guru Nanak for Sikhs, Nauroze for Zoroastrians, Eid-e-Ridvan for Bahi’s, Festival of Lights for Buddhist community and Chelum Jhust for Kalash community.

Pakistan has also taken significant steps for the promotion of religious tourism and promoting religious harmony. Opening the historical Grudawara Kartarpur Corridor, Shewala Teja Mandir and Gurdwara Choa Sahib (Jehlum), holding Baba Guru Nanak 550th birthday celebrations, hosting more than 60000 Yatrees from across the world and filling up Amer Kund (Holy Water) at Katas Raj are some the many initiatives Pakistan has taken for promoting religious tourism and religious harmony.

The Government of Pakistan is committed to implementing the constitution of Pakistan in its true spirit and in the light of Islamic principles and the international declaration of human rights to protect the rights and lives of minorities in Pakistan.

Freedom of Expression in a World Confronted with Social Media Propaganda

Freedom of Expression in a World Confronted with Social Media Propaganda

Freedom of Expression in a World Confronted with Social Media Propaganda

By: Salman Ahmad

Free speech and freedom of expression have been broadly understood as the natural right to freely express through any communication medium. Article 19 of the constitution of Pakistan guarantees that right. However, there is a difference between free speech under this right and becoming part of a subversive war of narratives for maligning government, state institutions and especially Pakistan’s Armed forces which is the core object for ensuring national security. Freedom of expression is a complex right because it is not absolute and carries special responsibilities therefore be subjected to specific restrictions provided by law.

The unprecedented surge in social media (SM) use for political engagement and as the primary source of information has played an existential role in shaping political and public discourses in Pakistan. The significance of social media has compelled almost all political parties in Pakistan to create Social Media Wings led by youth activists of those parties. This trend was initially introduced by Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan People’s Party. Still, former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) has utilized the tool so effective that it made the party and its leader the most popular in Pakistan’s political history. Extensive SM campaigns benefitted the political forces so enormously that these parties now see SM as an inevitable arm for furthering their political agendas.

The increased propaganda campaigns on SM have not only led to political upheaval in Pakistan but also negatively impacted the integrity of state institutions including the Armed Forces, the Judiciary and parliament undermining democratic processes and slackening public trust in the pillars of the state. Targeting Pakistan’s Military establishment is aimed at strengthening the confirmation biases already manufactured through propaganda and bringing the institution under pressure for vested political interests. Criticizing and bashing Pakistan’s Armed Forces and other institutions these days became fashionable on social media, especially among political activists and disgruntled elements in the society. PTI seems leading this trend for the last nine months after the regime change in April 2022 and consequent unwarranted derogatory terminologies and name-calling by its leadership against Pak Army’s leadership.

These whipping and vilification attempt also results in the demoralization of the ranks and files who actually are shielding the security of this country and its people. According to the American World War II Veteran General George S Patton, “the soldier is the army and no army is better than its soldiers”. Nonetheless, social media enthusiasts in Pakistan overlook this reality while vilifying the Armed forces of Pakistan through smear propaganda campaigns.

The educated but unemployed youth of Pakistan, disenchanted with the current system and fed up with the leaders who repetitively ruled the country, were attracted by the anti-status quo slogans of the PTI leader and became obsessed with changing the system and building a new Pakistan. However, instead of utilizing fresh brains for the development of the country and their own well-being, their energies are being wasted on negative social media propaganda.

Deepening political polarization and unbridled SM has provided ample opportunities for neighboring adversaries to manipulate information and make Pakistan’s internal and external vulnerabilities more worsen.  But; political activists are not aware of the fact that this trend is being augmented and amplified by the anti-Pakistan forces and national adversaries to tactfully tarnish the integrity of Pakistan and its Armed institutions that eventually adversely impacts the prestige of the nation, globally. In such a scenario, adversaries of Pakistan can exploit the prevailing environment without crossing the border influencing minds of the public in their favour and against their own state.

Pakistan is currently facing a virtual threat that needs to be thoroughly assessed and remedial measures may be taken by all stakeholders including the public to counter the threat. The public needs to priorities national security and interest keeping behind all other political likes and dislikes. As it is obvious that the level of this cyber threat is greater than ever before. There is a strong need for media literacy among the public and guidelines for the distinction between propaganda and facts.

SM manipulation for spreading false information aimed at diverting public opinion has serious repercussions for the democratic process while the same tool is also being used for incitement of violence and instability within the country. There is also a need for government bodies and media organizations to jointly launch a campaign for masses education and good practices of using SM. Media bodies and other stakeholders must be included in the decision-making process and a strategy for strict monitoring, identifying and flagging of hostile elements must be devised to counter the SM manipulation and disinformation.

It is the need of the hour to establish a balance between freedom of expression as a basic human right and propaganda or disinformation to target the state and its institution. It is the responsibility of the state and its institutions to ensure freedom of expression, however, countering disinformation and having restraints from becoming part o f anti-state propaganda is the utmost responsibility of SM users. In the absence of a realistic and balanced approach, SM propaganda will rise which may be more dangerous for the overall socio-political environment of the country.

Developing a strong defense to counter the subversive war through effective counter Psy Ops is another milestone which must be undertaken by our educated youth, academia, intelligentsia and the state at large. Our enemy’s target is to demoralize and depopularize Pakistan Armed Forces which is to be defended by all of us.