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.
