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.

“Forum emphasized that it is imperative that Government should promulgate and implement stringent laws and regulations to check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies and sow the seeds of polarisation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement at the conclusion of the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference held at GHQ in Rawalpindi.

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir presided over the bi-annual meeting, which was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers and all formation commanders of the army.

Earlier this month, reports said that the government was about to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act to combat fake news and misinformation.

Such a development came after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Islamabad march which ended in the wee hours of November 27. International media and many ministers busted false claims related to the protest where AI generated visual content and Gaza pictures were used.

“Those spreading fake news for vested political/financial interests need to be identified and brought to justice,” the military’s media wing said.

The forum resolved that the “army remains committed to serving the nation and public and guard against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation, and any attempt to pitch innocent people against each other and use of violence as an instrument for vested gains can never be tolerated.”

According to the ISPR, the forum began by offering prayers and paying tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security and sovereignty, including those LEAs personnel who were martyred during protests in Islamabad.

The military brass condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.” It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, “strongly condemning” the atrocities in Gaza and supporting international legal measures to end military aggression.

Participants were briefed on the prevailing security environment, both external and internal, and reviewed the army’s operational readiness to address evolving traditional and non-traditional threats.

The military commanders conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counterterrorism operations and resolved to continue neutralising terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, with a heightened focus on operations against terrorists operating inside Balochistan including banned BLA Majeed Brigade.

“Forum noted with concern the malicious propaganda done in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the army in the capital to secure key government buildings and provide a safe and secure environment for the valued visiting delegations. This pre-planned coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects the continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public and armed forces and institutions of Pakistan. This futile attempt, fueled and abetted by external players, will never be successful, InshAllah.”

Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a 10-member joint task force to identify the perpetrators involved in malicious propaganda against the state.

It was in addition to another task force formed to identify the people involved in spreading “chaos and violence” in Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi would lead the committee.

They also expressed concerns over the “unabated use of Afghan soil” against Pakistan by terrorists, especially those belonging to the banned Fitna Al Khwarij. “It is in the interest of both neighbouring Islamic countries to rather focus on mutually beneficial engagements and IAG [interim Afghan government] needs to take visible measures to prevent the use of its soil by the terrorists.”

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The forum reiterated its resolve to continue supporting all socioeconomic and development efforts being undertaken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan by federal and provincial governments for the well-being of the people of such provinces “who continue to stand tall against the scourge of terrorism.”

While highlighting the army’s commitment to socioeconomic progress, the forum resolved to continue to support government efforts in fostering economic growth, cracking down on illegal spectrum and eradicating the terror-crime nexus.

In his concluding comments, COAS Munir “emphasised the importance of professionalism, operational readiness, and the army’s unwavering dedication to ensuring Pakistan’s security and stability, notwithstanding any odds and challenges.”