It is often said that the survival of nations depends heavily on the strength of their defense systems. There’s no doubt that in today’s world, the challenges we face highlight the vital role of a strong military, which cannot be underestimated. However, with time, the nature of warfare has evolved. Wars were once fought over revolutions industrial, agricultural and economic. Gradually, the focus shifted from ideology to tanks, then from tanks to missile command and control systems and eventually to advanced aircraft like the F-16 and JF-17 Thunder but post-2013, the global landscape of conflict has changed dramatically. Now, wars are being fought more through misinformation and social media manipulation than on the battlefield. Social media Platforms like Google, Facebook, YouTube and both print and electronic media can spread narratives within seconds. A well-known quote applies perfectly to this new reality: “What is shown is not always real and what is real is not always shown.”
A Session in Hazara Region a bridge between Students and the Army. The Hazara region needs no introduction. In the field of education, it plays a pivotal role. Abbottabad is known as a city of schools, colleges and universities. In this context, today, the DG ISPR (Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations) visited Army Burn Hall College and held a one-on-one session with students from major universities and institutions of the region. This interaction was a positive step, bringing military leadership closer to the youth.
Students and faculty from various departments of Hazara University Mansehra an esteemed institution in KPK under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohsin Nawaz actively participated in this session. Department of Pakistan Studies including Bioinformatics, Law, Psychology and Political Science were represented. The session was well-appreciated and it was acknowledged that such interactions are essential for bridging the gap between the Army and the youth especially in these challenging times when Pakistan is facing numerous internal and external threats. The DG ISPR openly addressed these issues, citing incidents like the attack on the Jaffar Express and ongoing terrorism in Balochistan. The unfortunate reality is that some groups, for their own interests, are targeting Pakistan’s largest province, despite significant Chinese investment in the region Gwadar International Airport, Pak-China Friendship Center and University projects. These developments are turning Gwadar into a future hub like Shanghai or Dubai. However, a certain group is spreading false propaganda about issues like missing persons and a lack of infrastructure. In reality, since 2015, Balochistan has seen a surge in development cadet colleges, universities, hospitals and a robust infrastructure network are proof. Today’s session also highlighted the role of media, especially how misinformation reaches the public and how fake news spreads through social platforms. The war of 1971 war were discussed, emphasizing how India manipulated the situation to separate East Pakistan Bangladesh). Ironically, today, voices in Bangladesh are acknowledging that Quaid-e-Azam’s vision was right, and that India is not a friend to Muslims.
DG ISPR presented how Pakistan and Bangladesh are now cooperating militarily and economically and that the fake narrative about Pakistan Army during 1971 is collapsing. This marks a major shift in historical perception. Major Tariq from Pakistan Army gave a presentation before DG ISPR’s address, showcasing facts and figures and explaining how countries like Libya, Syria and Afghanistan were destabilized in the name of revolutions. Even Iran faces political instability. Pakistan, as a nuclear power with a strong command and control system, is a target for nations like Israel, India and the USA, who do not want to see a strong, ideologically-driven Muslim state thrive. DG ISPR emphasized that as long as the people of Pakistan stand with their Army, the country will remain strong. But if a rift is created between the public and the military, it could lead to national decline. He clarified: “The Army will fight terrorists, but fighting terrorism is the responsibility of the Nation.”
As students and teachers, it is now our duty to understand the impact of 5th generation warfare and promote truth over propaganda. Some groups, like the one led by Mama Qadeer Baloch, manipulate narratives around missing persons for foreign agendas. Often, individuals labeled as “missing” are later found involved in militant activities or operations abroad. Groups like BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army) are funded by India and operate from places like Afghanistan, India, and Canada. They don’t want to see progress in Balochistan. Many individuals who joined such groups have later confessed that they were misled for others’ gain.
DG ISPR highlighted how Khwarij elements from Afghanistan target Pakistan under the guise of religious extremism, but ignore real threats elsewhere. Pakistanis must now unite teachers must guide students, youth must understand their responsibilities and everyone must recognize that Pakistan’s survival is our survival.
Among 57 Islamic countries, Pakistan is the only nuclear power. But instead of appreciating our military, negative sentiments are being spread. While other countries’ armies also run housing projects (like DHA), such developments in Pakistan are wrongly criticized.
Pakistan is currently at the heart of global geopolitics and its armed forces are sacrificing their lives to protect the nation. From Gilgit-Baltistan to Balochistan, Kashmir to Sindh from Sindh to KP from KP to Punjab students participated in today’s session and asked tough questions each answered with clarity.
Now is the time to stand with our forces. Political instability should not shift blame onto the Army. The Army is doing its outstanding duty. Many soldiers have become martyrs in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Terrorist attacks continue and foreign-backed insurgents are behind much of the chaos.
Even in 2016, Indian PM Modi said he would isolate Pakistan-but today, it is India facing diplomatic isolation in the region (with strained ties with Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan).
We must understand the urgency of the times and the threats Pakistan faces. DG ISPR’s message should be widely communicated: “We are with Pakistan, and we are with the Armed Forces of Pakistan.” This message must resonate in every heart, because Pakistan is our pride, our honor and our future.
