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Top Pakistani army generals are concerned about the spread of “propaganda and disinformation” targeting the armed forces and called for enforcement of strict laws to curb hate speech and polarization spread under the guise of freedom of expression.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media arm, the demand was made during the 84th Formation Commanders’ Conference chaired by Army Chief General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
During the conference, participants were informed about the prevailing security environment, both external and internal. The event assessed the Army’s operational readiness to address evolving traditional and non-traditional threats.
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“Forum emphasized that it is imperative that the government promulgate and implement strict laws and regulations to check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression, to spew venom, spew lies and sow the seeds of polarization,” it said forum. Those spreading fake news for vested political and financial interests must be identified and brought to justice.
The meeting also noted with concern the malicious propaganda carried out in the wake of the lawful deployment of the Army in Islamabad to secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for the esteemed visiting delegations.
“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 and Pakistan’s armed forces and institutions. This futile attempt, fueled and supported by external players, will never be successful,” the ISPR statement said.
During the meeting it was resolved that the Army remains committed to serving the nation and the public and will continue to protect itself against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation and that any attempt to pit innocent people against each other actions and the use of violence as a tool for vested profits can never be tolerated, the report said.
The participants conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counter-terrorism operations. They noted with concern the continued use of Afghan territory against Pakistan by terrorists, especially those belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
“Forum urged that it is in the interest of both neighboring Islamic countries to focus on mutually beneficial arrangements sooner and that the IAG (Interim Afghan Government) should take visible measures to prevent the use of its territory by the terrorists” , the statement said.
The meeting also reiterated its resolve to continue supporting all socio-economic and development efforts undertaken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan by the federal and provincial governments and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Kashmir.
General Munir emphasized the importance of professionalism, operational preparedness and the Army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and stability of Pakistan despite all adversities and challenges.
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