Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), emphasized on Monday that existing legal frameworks in Pakistan are inadequate in combating “digital terrorism,” leading to the unchecked spread of fake news and propaganda.
In a press conference held in Rawalpindi, Chaudhry highlighted that the law should serve as the primary defense against digital misinformation. “The law is supposed to tackle digital terrorism, yet we see rampant spread of false information and doctored images, especially on social media, causing public confusion,” he remarked. “Regrettably, the law isn’t being enforced as it should be.”
Chaudhry assured that the Pakistan Army is addressing the issue with utmost seriousness. “Regardless of their location or status, anyone found propagating misinformation against the Pakistan Army, or attempting to create a rift between the military and the public, will face legal action. There is a systematic process in place for this,” he explained.
The term “digital terrorism” gained prominence in Pakistan’s political discourse following a high-level military meeting on May 30. Although the country lacks specific laws addressing “digital terrorists” or “digital terrorism,” Section 8 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016 pertains to cyberterrorism.
When questioned about potential dialogues with a political party and the army’s stance on the May 9 riots, Chaudhry reiterated the military’s unchanged position, as stated in a previous press conference on May 7. “There has been no shift in our stance, nor will there be,” he asserted.
Recently, PTI founder Imran Khan, after enduring months of tense relations with the military, expressed willingness to engage in talks with the military establishment.
In the same briefing, Chaudhry condemned the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and its leadership, labeling them as proxies for terrorist organizations and criminal mafias. He accused the BYC of spreading propaganda against law enforcement agencies targeting smugglers and criminals, and of undermining development projects in Balochistan.
“The BYC’s tactics involve mobilizing crowds with foreign funding to challenge state authority and create unrest, while posing as innocent victims when the state responds,” he claimed. He dismissed the recent Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar as a “drama.”
The BYC began protests in Gwadar on July 28, following clashes with security forces over alleged human rights abuses and resource exploitation in Balochistan. An agreement with the provincial government temporarily halted the protests, but tensions rose again after a protester’s death in Noshki, leading to renewed demonstrations.
Chaudhry alleged that the protesters obstructed roads, attacked pilgrims, and clashed with the Frontier Corps, resulting in the death of a soldier. “This proxy has been exposed under the Baloch Raji Muchi,” he stated.
Chaudhry also provided an update on the nation’s security situation, detailing the extensive counter-terrorism efforts by the military and law enforcement agencies. “In 2024, security forces conducted 23,622 intelligence-based operations, with 2,045 in the last 15 days alone,” he reported. “Twenty-four terrorists were eliminated during this period.”
He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Pakistan Army, intelligence, police, and other law enforcement agencies in conducting over a hundred operations daily to combat terrorism.
He announced that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is now officially designated as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” with its members referred to as “khariji” (outcasts).
“This designation reflects the group’s disruptive nature, as it has no legitimate ideology related to Islam or Pakistan,” he asserted. He also honored the 139 soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the first seven months of the year. “The nation pays tribute to our brave martyrs and their families.”
Chaudhry concluded by reaffirming the military’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated.