Be it digital or electronic media, anti-state elements masqueraded as human rights activists are presented under the cover of freedom of expression.

This is the age of cyber warfare, commonly known as 5th generation war. In a highly complex global world, argue analysts, Pakistan needs a robust digital mechanism to control and counter-propaganda. It is believed that the most powerful and effective tool of the 5th generation war is propaganda being run on social media.

On Sunday, the forum announced that they would organize a virtual conference to discuss the murder of Baloch journalist Sajjad Hussain and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement leader Arif Wazir under mysterious circumstances.

Notably, the ‘Saath Forum’ has been founded by former Ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani and columnist Mohammad Taqi.

According to the information, the conference included journalists and thinkers like Nabi Baksh Baloch, Gul Bukhari, Ahmed Waqas Goraya, Taha Siddiqui and Gulalai Ismail.

Manzoor Pashteen and the PTM came at the scene after the killing of a young Pashtun shopkeeper who aspired to become a model in Karachi.

Initially, there were five demands presented by the PTM. But as the movement got some momentum across the country, Manzoor Pashteen increased his list of the demand.

These demands by a rights movement were fair enough. But with the passage of time, PTM leadership started chanting anti-army slogans and bashed at the institution. The PTM leaders alleged the army for being behind all the ‘terrorism’ Pakistan is facing at the moment.

Manzoor Pashteen launched false allegations through social media and tried to create uncertainty in the minds of average Pakistani against the role of armed forces through demonstrations. Reports have already disclosed earlier that these websites and social media pages are fake and the IP address of sites show Indian hand to pollute the young minds.

This was the turning point with regard to the demands and purpose of a rights movement. Interestingly, a rights movement transformed into an anti-army and anti-state movement in Pakistan. Suspicions got some strength when the western media gave ‘extra-ordinary’ coverage to the movements and its demands. Army Chief of Pakistan also termed the ‘engineered protests’ anti-state and warned the nation to be careful to protect their country.

Likewise, Gulalai Ismail, a rights activist, was charged under the anti-terrorism act after she criticized army actions in the border regions, including a report that complained of military harassment of women and girls, a charge the army has denied.

Any effort to destabilize the institution of the army will benefit regional and international enemies of Pakistan. Therefore, SAATH’s anti state rhetoric needs a careful and serious introspection.

Pashtuns are an integral part of Pakistan army, civil service and other departments in the country. There are Pashtun army generals, secretaries, and media persons.

It is, therefore, not appropriate to allege the state of Pakistan of marginalizing the ethnic community and depriving of their fundamental rights. War on terror is a global phenomenon and Pakistan is one of the most affected countries in the world.

Pashtuns had to face severe hardships due to war on terror but this does not mean that the Pakistan army has intentionally been damaging their houses or unnecessarily stopped them at check-posts. The context needs to be placed and understood.

Tactlessly, Pakistan continues to suffer from such traitors who appear sincere to State but the matter of the fact is entirely different if investigated.

Such a sad state of affairs that those who restored peace in their violent hit areas are considered for violence. Armed forces ensured that our terror hit regions of FATA, KP and all over Pakistan be made safe and free of hostile agents. While armed forces of Pakistan particularly Pak Army not only eradicated terrorism from the soil of FATA but they are playing major role in bringing back peace and development in the area. It is high time that all political leadership must come up on one page with Pak Army regarding anti-state narratives by PTM, Gulali and other ‘activists’ as not only their agenda is conflicting but extensive along with external challenges to the country.

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