Army Chief Gen Asim Munir Blames Foreign Powers for ‘Digital Terrorism’, accusing them of attempting to create divisions between Pakistan’s state institutions and its citizens.
Addressing a parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul on Independence Day, Gen Asim Munir emphasized the urgency of anti-terror activities under the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ vision. He asserted that those seeking to sow discord would ultimately face defeat.
In his comprehensive speech, Gen Asim Munir touched on critical issues, including the security situation along the Western border with Afghanistan, the threat posed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the unrest in Balochistan.
Recently, the military has intensified its stance against social media criticism, with Gen Asim Munir warning that online platforms are being exploited to spread anarchy and misinformation against the armed forces. The term ‘digital terrorism’ is now being used by the military to describe such activities, particularly targeting activists associated with the PTI.
Several PTI figures, including spokesperson Raoof Hasan, have been detained on charges related to ‘digital terrorism’.
Quoting Surah Al Hujurat, Gen Asim Munir stressed the importance of verifying information to prevent public unrest. He reiterated that while the Constitution upholds freedom of speech, it also sets clear boundaries on this right.
“To our adversaries, know this: regardless of the threats against us, we stand united and ready. Any form of warfare, whether traditional or non-traditional, will be met with swift and severe retaliation. Freedom is not without cost, and we are prepared to pay that price. I have full confidence that the people of Pakistan and its security forces will never waver in defending this great nation,” he declared.
Gen Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for good relations with Afghanistan, urging the Afghan Taliban to prioritize ties with Pakistan over support for the banned TTP. He condemned the TTP, referring to it as Fitna al-Khawarij, for its “anti-state and anti-Sharia activities” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakhtun people, stating that terrorists who reject both Sharia and Pakistan’s Constitution will not be considered Pakistani.
Regarding Balochistan, which has seen protests organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Gen Asim Munir pledged that the army, along with federal and provincial governments, is committed to the security and welfare of the Baloch people. He warned that those attempting to destabilize the province would not succeed.
Switching to English, Gen Asim Munir expressed gratitude to friendly nations like China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkiye for their support during challenging times. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it a stain on the global conscience that Pakistan will oppose on every international platform.
