Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir emphasized on Wednesday that it is the state’s responsibility to protect citizens from the harmful impacts of social media. In a statement shared by state broadcaster PTV on platform X (formerly Twitter), General Munir stated, “The state has a duty to shield the public from the hysteria and chaos fueled by social media.”
This declaration is the latest in a series of warnings from the military regarding the dangers posed by social media. In recent years, online campaigns targeting the military have intensified, reflecting broader political and social tensions within Pakistan. In response, the government, often in coordination with the military, has implemented strict measures to control the narrative and curb dissent. These actions have included numerous arrests and legal proceedings against journalists and social media users accused of spreading “negative propaganda” against the military and the state, leading to restricted internet access and platform bans, including on X.
The military, under General Munir’s leadership, has taken a firm stance against social media criticism, with the army chief warning that these platforms are being used to spread anarchy and misinformation aimed at the armed forces. The term “digital terrorism” has increasingly been employed by the military to describe the activities of its harshest critics online, including PTI activists, whom it accuses of disseminating falsehoods.
In his broader remarks, General Munir highlighted that the security and development of Pakistan depend on a strong relationship between the people, the government, and the army. “Those who were pushing the narrative of Pakistan’s default—where are they today?” he questioned. The army chief also underscored the importance of the youth, calling them the nation’s “most valuable asset” and vowed that they would not be allowed to “go to waste under any circumstances.”
Addressing the recent tribal violence in Parachinar, which resulted in 49 fatalities, General Munir urged the tribal communities to come together to resolve their disputes. He praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for standing resiliently against terrorism alongside the Pakistan Army for 22 years, expressing confidence that with divine assistance, they would ultimately prevail in their fight against terrorism.
