Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir emphasized the state’s responsibility to shield the public from the negative impacts of social media. Speaking on Wednesday, he highlighted the dangers posed by social media, describing it as a source of “hysteria and fitna” that the state must protect its citizens from.
General Munir’s remarks are part of ongoing concerns expressed by the military regarding the growing influence of social media and its potential to harm the country’s social and political stability. Over recent years, online campaigns targeting the military have intensified, prompting the government and military to take action against what they view as harmful narratives. These efforts have included arrests and legal measures against those accused of spreading negative content about the military, leading to restrictions on internet access and temporary bans on platforms like X.
The military, including General Munir, has increasingly warned against the use of social media to spread false information and incite unrest, a phenomenon they refer to as “digital terrorism.” This term is now frequently used by the military to describe the actions of critics, including supporters of the PTI party, whom they accuse of spreading misinformation.
In his recent comments, General Munir emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the people, the government, and the army for the nation’s security and development. He also addressed concerns about tribal violence in Parachinar, urging local communities to resolve their disputes peacefully and praising the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their resilience against terrorism.
In a previous speech, General Munir had blamed foreign powers for engaging in “digital terrorism” to create divisions between state institutions and the people of Pakistan. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to countering such threats under the vision of “Azm-i-Istehkam.”
Earlier this month, military spokesperson General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media, calling for stronger legal measures to combat “digital terrorism.” The military’s firm stance against online dissent has been evident since May, following criticism from PTI founder Imran Khan, and was reiterated during the July Corps Commanders’ Conference.
The military continues to view online criticism as a serious threat, likening it to traditional forms of terrorism and pledging to defeat these “digital terrorists” who seek to destabilize the country.
