The Pakistan military’s top leadership on Thursday urged the government to enforce stricter regulations to counter the misuse of freedom of expression, raising concerns over “malicious propaganda” following the army’s deployment in Islamabad.
The 83rd Formation Commanders Conference, held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, was presided over by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and formation commanders. The military emphasized the need for robust laws to curb unethical and unfettered use of free expression, which it said fosters misinformation, polarization, and unrest.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement highlighted that the army is committed to protecting the nation against internal and external threats, free from political affiliations, and that using violence to achieve vested goals will not be tolerated.
The call for stricter measures aligns with government plans to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to combat fake news and misinformation. This move follows incidents during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s recent protest march, where AI-generated visuals and unrelated images were circulated. The ISPR stressed the need to identify and prosecute those spreading falsehoods for political or financial gain.
The forum reviewed the country’s security environment, operational readiness, and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in Balochistan against groups like the banned BLA Majeed Brigade. Concerns were also expressed about the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. The military urged the Afghan interim government to prevent such actions and instead pursue mutually beneficial cooperation.
Participants condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri people, and expressed solidarity with Palestinians against atrocities in Gaza.
The conference began with tributes to the armed forces, law enforcement personnel, and citizens who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s sovereignty, including those martyred during recent protests. The commanders also reiterated support for socioeconomic initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, emphasizing the military’s role in fostering economic stability and combating the nexus of crime and terror.
In his concluding remarks, General Munir underscored the importance of professionalism, operational preparedness, and the army’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s stability despite challenges.
