Pakistan Army's Stance on Digital Terrorism and Propaganda

The Pakistan Army addressed concerns about insufficient legal action against 'digital terrorism', spreading fake news and propaganda. Military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif emphasized legal action against those spreading misinformation, announced operations against militants, and highlighted the army's role in societal and economic upliftment.

On Monday, Pakistan's powerful Army voiced concerns about inadequate legal measures against 'digital terrorism', which it claims fuels the spread of fake news and propaganda in the nation.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif warned that those involved in spreading 'digital terrorism' and driving a wedge between the armed forces and the public will face stringent legal action.

'The first line of defense against digital terrorism is law,' Sharif noted. He criticized the high levels of falsehood and propaganda on social media and asserted that the armed forces take such matters seriously, urging for robust legal measures against perpetrators both within Pakistan and abroad.

Sharif revealed that Pakistan's security forces have eliminated 24 militants in a fortnight and executed over 2,000 operations over the last 15 days to combat terrorism.

He indicated a significant toll on the armed forces, with 139 soldiers killed in clashes against terrorists in the first seven months of the year.

Providing a cultural context, Sharif declared that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) would henceforth be referred to as 'Fitna al-Khawarij' aligning it with historical violent mischief-makers.

He also condemned recent protests by Baloch nationalists as actions by 'proxies' attacking security forces while posing as victims.

Regarding the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Sharif confirmed there would be no policy change towards the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, dismissing possibilities of negotiation.

Sharif further spotlighted the Pakistan Army's initiatives aimed at societal and economic development, including educational and health institutions, medical camps, and economic empowerment projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)