By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Asim Munir on Tuesday accused foreign powers of using “digital terrorism” to create divisions between state institutions and the people, vowing to strike back against such threats.
Munir made the comments in a speech at the Pakistan Military Academy to mark Independence Day, where he addressed key issues, including the situation on the Western border with Afghanistan, the threat posed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the situation in Balochistan.
“To the inimical forces, let it be clear: regardless of the multilayered and multidimensional threats piled up against us, we stand united and reassured. Traditional or non-traditional, dynamic or proactive, whatever form of warfare is applied against us, our retribution will be sharp and painful, and we will certainly strike back,” the general said.
“For indeed, we know that freedom is not free; it costs many great sons and daughters, and we are always ready for that. I have full faith and confidence that the people of Pakistan and its security forces will never relent and let anyone cast an evil eye on this great country.”
Military is increasingly criticizing “digital terrorists” using social media to undermine the military’s anti-militancy efforts, in a veiled reference to the party of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan.
Khan’s popularity, fueled by social media, has persisted despite his ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote last year. His party has faced a state-backed crackdown, which critics say has only bolstered support for Khan.
The government is installing a nationwide firewall to regulate internet usage, control access to social media sites, and identify IP addresses associated with “anti-state propaganda.” The social media platform X has been banned in the country since February.
The military faces growing criticism on social media allegedly by supporters of Khan’s PTI party, with the government responding by cracking down on journalists and online users accused of spreading “negative propaganda.” The measures have sparked concerns over freedom of expression and internet access in the country.
Munir emphasized the importance of verifying information to avoid causing consternation among the people, citing a verse from Surah Al Hujurat. “While the Constitution allows for freedom of speech, it also contains clear limits.”
The army chief paid tribute to the courage and contributions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa people in the war against terrorism.
“The scourge of terrorism has once again reared its head, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to the mischief of the Khawarij and their anti-Sharia actions,” he said.
Munir also praised the people of Balochistan and said the army, in cooperation with the federal and provincial governments, would continue to play a “key role in the security, well-being, and development of Balochistan and its gallant people.”
On regional dynamics, the army chief referred to Afghanistan as “our brotherly Islamic neighbor.”
“We desire to maintain excellent relations with Afghanistan, and our message to them is that they should not prioritize the mischief of the Fitna-ul-Khawarij over their longstanding, well-wishing, and brotherly neighbor.”
General Munir also spoke about the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
“We stand rock-solid with them for their indelible right of self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations resolutions, and reassure our full political, diplomatic, and moral support to the valiant people of Kashmir.”
In a switch to English, Munir thanked friendly countries for standing by Pakistan in trying times and expressed support for the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and opposition to the “horrendous genocide” in Gaza.
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