Rawalpindi, December 5, 2024 – Pakistan’s top military leadership has urged the government to enforce stricter laws to curb the misuse of freedom of expression, citing concerns over “malicious propaganda” following the army’s deployment in Islamabad.
In a statement issued at the conclusion of the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference, held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated:
“The forum emphasized the necessity for the government to implement stringent laws and regulations to prevent the unethical use of freedom of expression, which spreads falsehoods, polarizes society, and undermines national cohesion.”
The biannual conference, chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and formation commanders.
The conference followed the conclusion of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Islamabad march on November 27, during which international media and federal ministers exposed the use of fake visuals and AI-generated content by some protest supporters.
“Those spreading fake news for political or financial motives must be identified and held accountable,” the ISPR added.
The forum denounced coordinated propaganda campaigns attempting to create divisions between the public and national institutions, attributing these efforts to external players and certain political elements. It emphasized that such efforts would not succeed.
The participants were briefed on the current security landscape and reviewed the army’s operational readiness to counter both conventional and non-traditional threats. The commanders analyzed counterterrorism operations, reaffirming the commitment to neutralize terrorists, facilitators, and abettors, with particular focus on operations in Balochistan targeting the banned BLA Majeed Brigade.
Concerns were also raised over the continued use of Afghan soil by terrorists against Pakistan. The forum stressed the need for the interim Afghan government (IAG) to take visible steps to prevent such activities, emphasizing the importance of fostering mutually beneficial ties between the two nations.
The forum reiterated support for federal and provincial government initiatives aimed at socioeconomic development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, lauding the resilience of the local population against terrorism. It also pledged ongoing assistance in fostering economic growth, combating illegal activities, and dismantling the nexus between crime and terrorism.
The military leadership condemned human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people. It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning atrocities in Gaza and advocating international legal measures to halt military aggression.
In his concluding remarks, COAS General Munir stressed the army’s commitment to professionalism, operational readiness, and safeguarding Pakistan’s security and stability in the face of challenges. He reiterated the military’s apolitical stance, underscoring its dedication to serving the nation and protecting against both external and internal threats.
The forum began with prayers and a tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s security and sovereignty, including those who perished during protests in Islamabad.
This meeting also comes in the wake of the Prime Minister’s formation of two separate task forces: one to identify individuals involved in malicious propaganda and another to address those instigating chaos and violence in Islamabad.
