Army Leaders Call for Strict Laws to Curb Propaganda and Division Under the Guise of Free Speech

Rawalpindi: The 84th Formation Commanders Conference, chaired by Army Chief General Asim Munir, strongly condemned the propaganda against the Pakistan Army during the recent Islamabad protests and called on the government to implement strict laws to curb the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and societal division under the guise of unrestricted freedom of expression.
The conference, held over two days, was attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all formation commanders of the Pakistan Army. At the outset of the forum, a tribute was paid to the martyrs, including soldiers who had laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and stability, as well as security personnel martyred in the recent violent protests in Islamabad.
The forum condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and strongly condemned the ongoing military aggression in Gaza, supporting international legal measures to end the violence.
Participants received a briefing on the current situation regarding both internal and external threats and reviewed the operational readiness of the Pakistan Army to tackle both traditional and unconventional challenges. The forum also conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, with special attention on the Balochistan-based terrorist group BLA (Baloch Liberation Army) and its continued attempts to destabilize Pakistan at the behest of hostile foreign powers.
The participants expressed concern over the malicious propaganda against the Pakistan Army regarding its deployment during the Islamabad protests, calling it part of a deliberate attempt to create divisions between the military, institutions, and the people of Pakistan. The forum highlighted that such propaganda was orchestrated by certain political elements with sinister motives, but assured that these efforts would not succeed, especially with the help of foreign elements.
The commanders demanded that the government take strict action against the spread of lies, hate speech, and societal division under the guise of freedom of expression. They stressed the need for strong regulations to prevent the dissemination of fake news, which they said is often spread for political and financial gain.
The forum further emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains committed to serving the nation without any bias or political affiliation and will continue to safeguard the country against all internal and external threats. They pledged to remain steadfast in preventing any attempts to incite violence or turn citizens against each other for personal gain.
The conference also expressed concern over the misuse of Afghan territory by terrorist groups, particularly the “Khawarij” factions, to target Pakistan. It urged the Afghan interim government to take clear steps to prevent its land from being used for terrorism.
Finally, the forum reiterated its support for ongoing socio-economic development initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, aiming to improve the welfare of the local populations and combat the nexus between terrorism and criminal activities. The Army Chiefs stressed the importance of continuing to support government efforts to promote economic development and tackle illegal activities.
At the conclusion of the conference, Army Chief General Asim Munir emphasized the importance of professional expertise, operational preparedness, and the Army’s unwavering resolve to ensure Pakistan’s security and stability, despite any challenges or difficulties.