By Farman Ullah
The basic weapons of the Fifth Generation War are not aircraft, tanks, and missiles, but rather TV, radio, newspapers, social media, film, public opinion, ideas, persuasion, manipulation, propaganda, and fake news.
India used media as a tool to alienate the population of East Pakistan from the rest of the country. At that time, media consisted of newspapers, pamphlets, radio, and TV, while on a human level, Hindu teachers and leaders of the Hindu community in East Pakistan were ready to pollute the young minds of students and the simple minds of common people. Similarly, for the past two decades, the same thing has been happening again, and now the launching pad for fake news, propaganda, and misinformation is social media, which includes Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and digital websites.
According to some experts, 70% of these fake news and propaganda are sponsored by India. India has been accused of being involved in fake news and propaganda. Fake news websites and social media accounts traced to Indian IP addresses. Fake news and negative propaganda have further deteriorated the security situation in two provinces i.e. KP and Balochistan.KP has faced terrorism primarily from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups. The province’s proximity to the Afghanistan border and the presence of militant groups have contributed to the issue of terrorism. On the other hand, Balochistan has faced terrorism primarily from, Baloch separatist groups BLA, BLF and some ethnic groups.
Recently, DG ISPR, in his important press conference, introduced the term ‘Digital Terrorism’ The DG ISPR said that just as a terrorist uses weapons to impose his will, a digital terrorist uses fake news and propaganda to spread terrorism and weaken the bond between, military leadership, and the public.
Digital Terrorism is more dangerous than physical terrorism. It can reach a wider audience and spread fear quickly. Moreover, it can be done anonymously, making it harder to track and prosecute perpetrators.Digital terrorism can cause significant economic and reputational damage.It leads to physical harm indirectly through cyberbullying or inciting violence.
The Pakistani authorities must take swift, robust, and decisive action against individuals or groups responsible for spreading false information and propaganda. This is crucial for maintaining social cohesion, ensuring national security, and upholding public trust. By doing so, the government can prevent the dissemination of harmful content, protect citizens from the detrimental effects of misinformation and safeguard the country’s interests, sovereignty, and democratic values.