In a recent address, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir called upon intellectuals, civil society members, and the youth to unite and counteract the propaganda aimed at undermining state institutions within the country.
Well, I welcome the message from the army chief. No doubt, propaganda guns are working round-the-clock on social media and to some extent on mainstream media too.
For the first time, an in-service army chief has highlighted the importance of ensuring that the people, especially the younger generation, are fully aware of the motives behind such harmful propaganda.
General Asim Munir’s message, as shared by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), was delivered during the 25th National Security Workshop at GHQ in Rawalpindi. The safety and security of every Pakistani citizen should never be compromised. Despite continuous efforts by hostile forces, Pakistan’s armed forces and security agencies are resolutely battling terrorism, and their success is linked to the cooperation of the Pakistani people.
The military is actively engaged in various national and provincial initiatives in collaboration with other state institutions, all with the aim of improving the lives of the people of Pakistan. Pakistan is a resilient nation that has endured numerous challenges to attain peace and stability.
What I learned is that the annual National Security Workshop saw 98 attendees, including parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers, and representatives from civil society.
Why the media was not invited to such an important event?
Media professionals would have shared measures to combat propaganda. Participants were also informed about the procedures for repatriating illegal foreigners from Pakistan to their respective countries. General Asim Munir provided detailed insights on all of these critical issues.
The responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens rests with the state, as outlined in the Constitution of Pakistan. This responsibility is fulfilled by the country’s security agencies. The Constitution mandates the state to protect citizens’ lives and property while meeting their basic needs, and it also requires citizens to show loyalty to the state in a spirit of patriotism. The Constitution defines the responsibilities, powers, and limitations of each state and government institution, emphasizing the positive and constructive nature of the Federation of Pakistan through coordinated efforts.
General Asim Munir’s message reinforces the need for collective vigilance and unity in the face of malicious propaganda, underscoring the importance of protecting and improving the lives of all Pakistanis.
Since Pakistan’s inception, the country has faced persistent threats within and from hostile neighbours The Pakistan Army undertakes its responsibilities for defending the nation and preserving internal stability with unwavering dedication and self-sacrifice, reflecting an indisputable sense of patriotism.
Whenever an atmosphere of chaos, political turmoil, or economic instability looms over any part of the country, it exerts adverse effects on the system’s stability and the nation’s security. Consequently, military leaders in Pakistan uphold their constitutional responsibility to support civil authorities in ensuring political and economic stability. Unfortunately, recent times have seen the growth of a culture of blame games in national politics, creating a hostile environment that has ensnared state institutions, including the Pakistan Army.
The dissemination of malicious propaganda against a state institution and its leadership, as seen in this context, not only runs afoul of existing cybercrime laws but is also tantamount to undermining the nation. This reached a disturbing crescendo when, on May 9, when military properties, statues, memorials dedicated to martyrs, and other important sites were subjected to violent attacks, resulting in substantial damage and defacement. These actions not only marred the nation’s identity but also portrayed the institution as vulnerable. Promptly, the state’s administrative authority took action, initiating legal proceedings against those involved in these incidents and their backers, in accordance with both military and civil laws.
As a responsible citizen, we all have a responsibility to break such baseless propaganda.
