Pakistan Army wants govt to tighten rules to avoid 'misuse' of freedom of expression

The top brass of Pakistan’s military urged on Thursday the government to implement ‘stricter’ laws to curb misuse of freedom of expression as they expressed concerns over the ‘malicious propaganda’ done in the aftermath of the army’s deployment in Islamabad.

The two-day conference, which concluded today in Rawalpindi, was presided over by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir.

The assembly further indicated that operations targeting terrorist groups in Balochistan, including the BLA Majeed Brigade, will receive significant attention.

Additionally, it stressed the necessity for the government to enact and enforce stringent laws and regulations to curb the unrestricted and unethical exploitation of freedom of expression, which is often used to disseminate harmful rhetoric, falsehoods, and foster division.

The forum called for the identification and prosecution of individuals disseminating misinformation for personal political and financial gain.

It was resolved that the Army remains dedicated to serving the nation and its citizens, safeguarding against all external and internal threats impartially, and that any efforts to incite conflict among innocent individuals or to utilize violence for personal advantage will not be tolerated.

The formation commanders expressed concern regarding the malicious propaganda that emerged following the lawful deployment of the Army in the capital to secure essential government facilities and ensure a safe environment for esteemed visiting delegations.

The coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects a persistent effort by certain political factions to create discord between the public and the Armed Forces, as well as other institutions of Pakistan. Such futile endeavors, supported by external actors, are destined to fail.

Furthermore, the forum condemned the ongoing human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan's steadfast political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri populace.

It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, vehemently denouncing the atrocities occurring in Gaza and advocating for international legal actions to bring an end to military aggression.