Bazeed Rana
The recent address by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir at the National Ulema Convention emphasized the crucial need to combat anarchy and promote moderation in society. This call to action was echoed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who highlighted the necessity of eliminating the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and addressing the proliferation of misinformation through social media. Both leaders underlined the unwavering commitment of the state to counter terrorism, extremism, and religious intolerance, outlining a clear and determined effort to promote a more peaceful and tolerant society in Pakistan. Their focus on fostering unity, combating fake news, and engaging with religious scholars points to a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing these pressing issues.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, at the National Ulema Convention, a gathering of religious scholars, highlighted the importance of bringing moderation back into society and combatting ‘facial fil arz’ (anarchy). General Munir emphasized that the armed forces will take decisive action against any individuals or groups attempting to sow anarchy within the country. He specifically pointed out the links between criminals, smugglers, and terrorism, as well as the role of social media in spreading anarchy. His speech underscored the significance of fostering tolerance and unity in the face of extremism and division, and conveyed a resolute message of zero tolerance for terrorism, extremism, and unrest in Pakistan.
In line with this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the convention and echoed the need to eliminate the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He raised concerns about the proliferation of lies and propaganda through social media, emphasizing the need to counter such misinformation and maintain respect for the sacrifices made by soldiers, who have been subject to unwarranted humiliation on social media platforms.
This call to action from both the army chief and the prime minister is not unprecedented, as Pakistan has endured substantial losses, both civilian and military, in the fight against terrorism. The consensus that the TTP poses a significant threat to the state was reinforced, and successful military operations, such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb, had initially driven out terrorists from Pakistan. However, a number of evaders found refuge in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the past government’s leniency towards the Afghan Taliban regime allowed them to relocate to Pakistan, a decision that is now officially recognized as a mistake.
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Presently, Pakistan’s stance on this issue is unequivocal—there will be no negotiations with the TTP, and the Afghan until they cease their support for terrorists or face repercussions. Additionally, the state’s approach to combatting fake news and propaganda involves confronting them with verifiable facts and state discourse rather than resorting to the ban on social media platforms. This approach aims to empower the public with accurate information and promote critical thinking.
General Munir’s emphasis on countering religious intolerance and extremism is particularly noteworthy, considering their understanding of the issue of religious extremism in Pakistan. Recent incidents where religion has been misused to target innocent individuals have raised significant concerns. It is crucial for the state, in collaboration with religious scholars, to address and mitigate this concerning trend by promoting greater tolerance and diminishing bigotry within society.
The resolute stance articulated by General Munir and Prime Minister Sharif indicates a unified and determined effort by the state to counter terrorism, religious extremism, and anarchy, while also addressing the manipulation of social media for spreading misinformation. Through collaboration with religious scholars and a focused approach to combating these issues, Pakistan can aspire to a more peaceful and tolerant society.
