RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military top brass on Thursday urged the government to implement stricter laws to counter fake news and curb misuse of freedom of expression as the military leadership expressed concerns over the ‘malicious propaganda’ after the army’s deployment in Islamabad to ensure security for a high-level foreign delegation.
“Forum emphasized that it is imperative that Government should promulgate and implement stringent laws and regulations to check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies and sow the seeds of polarisation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement at the conclusion of the 84th Formation Commanders Conference held at GHQ in Rawalpindi.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir presided over the two-day conference. The conference was attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all Formation Commanders of the Pakistan Army, ISPR stated.
Earlier this month, media reported that the government was mulling amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to combat fake news and misinformation.
The development came after the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad which ended in the wee hours of November 27. International media and government ministers busted false claims related to the protest where AI-generated visual content were used to spread fake news and misinformation about the law enforcement agencies’ (LEAs) cleanup operation.
Fake News and Malicious Propaganda Campaign
The military leadership, “Noted with concern the malicious propaganda done in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Army in the capital to secure key government buildings and provide a safe & secure environment for the valued visiting delegations,” ISPR stated.
“This pre-planned coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects the continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public & Armed Forces and institutions of Pakistan. This futile attempt, fueled and abetted by external players, will never be successful, InshAllah,” the forum noted as stated by ISPR.
The military leadership noted that those involved in spreading fake news for vested political and financial interests needed to be identified and brought to justice. “Those spreading fake news for vested political/financial interests need to be identified and brought to justice.”
Pakistan Army to Guard Nation Against All Threats
Formation Commanders resolved that the Pakistan Army remained committed to serving the nation and public and guard against all threats. “Forum resolved that the Army remains committed to serving the nation & public and guard against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation, and any attempt to pitch innocent people against each other and use of violence as an instrument for vested gains can never be tolerated.”
Human Rights Violations in IIOJK and Atrocities in Gaza
While expressing serious concerns over the ongoing human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the forum reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people.
“The forum condemned ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.”
The military leadership also condemned atrocities in Gaza and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. “It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, strongly condemning the atrocities in Gaza and supporting international legal measures to end military aggression,” ISPR stated in its statement.
Pakistan Army’s Operational Readiness
During the two-day conference, the military leadership was briefed on the current security environment and reviewed the Army’s operational readiness. “Participants were briefed on the prevailing security environment, both external and internal, and reviewed the Army’s operational readiness to address evolving traditional and non-traditional threats,” ISPR stated.
“The forum conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counterterrorism operations and resolved to continue neutralizing terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilize Pakistan, with heightened focus on operations against terrorists operating inside Balochistan including BLA Majeed Brigade,” ISPR stated.
Use of Afghanistan’s Soil by Terrorists
The military leadership urged Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to take action to avoid the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for attacks against Pakistan.
“Unabated use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists especially belonging to Fitna Al Khwarij was also noted with concern. Forum urged that it is in the interest of both neighbouring Islamic countries to rather focus on mutually beneficial engagements and IAG needs to take visible measures to prevent the use of its soil by the terrorists,” the ISPR statement added.
Support for Socioeconomic and Development Initiatives
The military top brass resolved to continue supporting federal and provincial governments’ socioeconomic and development initiatives.
“Forum reiterated the resolve to continue supporting all socioeconomic & development efforts being undertaken in Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan by Federal and Provincial Governments for the well-being of the resilient people of these Provinces who continue to stand tall against the scourge of terrorism,” ISPR stated.
“Highlighting the Army’s commitment to socioeconomic progress, the forum resolved to continue to support government efforts in fostering economic growth, cracking down on illegal spectrum and eradicating terror-crime nexus,” ISPR stated.
COAS Emphasizes Importance of Operational Readiness
Concluding the conference, COAS General Asim Munir emphasized the importance of professionalism, operational readiness, and the Army’s unwavering dedication to ensuring Pakistan’s security and stability, notwithstanding any odds and challenges, ISPR stated.
The forum offered Fateha and paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security and sovereignty, including those personnel who embraced martyrdom during recent violent protests in Islamabad.
