By Qamar Bashir
The army chief said that while the army understands its constitutional limits, those
who criticize the army should also be aware of the constitutional boundaries set by
Article 19 of the constitution which subjects all citizens to reasonable restrictions
imposed by law which inter alia include the integrity, security, or defense of
Pakistan, public order, decency and morality.
The army chief’s speech at the passing-out parade of cadets at Pakistan Air Force
(PAF) in Risalpur on May 2nd, 2024 was seen as a calculated and well-timed
response to politicians, media personnel, and social media activists who have been
unjustly criticizing the army and called for the army to uphold its oath, which
includes respecting the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and
refraining from engaging in any political activities.
The army chief’s words can be interpreted as a rebuke to those who are using
traditional and social media to condemn the army. He seems to be implying that
the army knows its responsibilities and no one has the right to dictate its actions.
Instead, individuals should be mindful of their own actions and avoid crossing the
boundaries set by Article 19 of the constitution.
Interestingly, the abuse and condemnation of the army on social media platforms
are not unique to Pakistan. For example, in countries like the United States, United
Kingdom, India, and others, the military has been subjected to criticism and abuse
on social media on account of political differences, human rights concerns, and
accountability issues. These countries have also implemented various remedial
actions.
In the United States, the Communications Decency Act of 1996 includes
provisions related to online harassment and obscenity. Additionally, the Uniform
Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) includes provisions that address disrespectful
behavior towards the military.
The Malicious Communications Act 1988 in the United Kingdom criminalizes the
sending of electronic communications with the intent to cause distress or anxiety.
Similarly, the Communications Act 2003 includes provisions related to offensive
and menacing messages sent over electronic communications networks.
In India, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media
Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, require intermediaries to take down certain types of
content, including those that threaten public order or national security.
Additionally, the Indian Penal Code includes provisions related to defamation, hate
speech, and incitement to violence that can be applied to online behavior.
In Pakistan, there are 52 media laws, rules, regulations, and codes of conduct
primarily aimed at imposing reasonable restrictions on the freedom of the press
and social media. These can be used against any person found disseminating
biased, baseless, false, and venomous propaganda against the armed forces of
Pakistan. However, if there is a need to enact new laws, it should be done only
after conducting a nationwide debate and benchmarking the best practices globally,
involving all stakeholders to ensure their complete buy-in.
Additionally, social media platforms should be engaged proactively to implement
policies, refine the existing tools and invent new ones to combat abusive behavior
on these platforms to combat hate speech and harassment and holding accountable
those who violate these policies.
Conscious efforts should be made to strengthen support for and promote traditional
media, operated by seasoned, experienced, and highly refined professionals. These
individuals are adept at the art and science of making difficult, sensitive, and
critical communications in the best interests of our institutions, the people of
Pakistan, and the country as a whole. This will enhance credibility in traditional
media and discourage the spread of misinformation that often occurs in the
unregulated jungle of social media. In social media, facts and reality are distorted
with total impunity, often driven by the prime objective of increasing views, which
translates to higher revenue. This creates added incentive for social media activists
to create sensationalism, anarchy, and chaos in society. Therefore, the public
should be incentivized to turn to traditional media by weaning them off social
media.
However, the most important intervention which will address this issue
comprehensively lies in correcting the misconceived perception about the Pakistan
army and its alleged involvement in non-traditional roles such as anti-narcotic
duties, anti-smuggling duties, and engaging in commercial activities like housing
schemes, construction, large scale manufacturing and banking and serving general
are appointed against civilian posts which lead to the perceptions of overreach and
a deviation from army core mandate of national defense.
Secondly, a misconceived perception which needs correction is the army’s alleged
involvement in politics, victimizing disfavored politicians and rewarding favored
ones, including raising and eliminating political parties, influencing election
results, and intimidating judges and election commissions, while the army time and
again has assured that it has no role to play in the politics maneuvering.
Thirdly, misplaced perception is that army and institution under it are involved in
human rights abuses, including abductions, torture, and intimidation of citizens,
journalists and political activists to suppress free speech and dissent.
While it is paramount that the false and malicious propaganda against Pakistan’s
most important and vital institution must stop, equally important is to take steps to
improve Pakistan’s ranking on the Freedom of Press Index which currently rests at
150 out of 180 countries.
To dispel misperceptions about the Pakistan Army, an immediate and
comprehensive strategic communication plan must be put into action. This plan
should start by identifying the key misperceptions. Messaging should be crisp,
clear, and consistent, emphasizing the Pakistan Army’s core mandate of national
defense, its contributions to security, and its unwavering commitment to
democratic values.
Engaging with stakeholders, including government officials, civil society
organizations, and the general public, and forging partnerships with credible allies
such as respected public figures and scholars, are crucial steps. Continuous
monitoring and evaluation, coupled with transparency and sustained engagement,
are fundamental elements for successfully dispelling misperceptions and fostering
positive relationships with the public in Pakistan.
By Qamar Bashir
Former Press Secretary to the President
Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
