• ISPR spox unhappy with leeway to ‘digital terrorists’, says law not being used adequately
• Calls Baloch Yakjehti Committee ‘proxy for terrorists’
• Says army stands with Kashmiris on self-determination

ISLAMABAD: The military on Monday emphasised the army’s unwavering position of not engaging with the PTI until the party formally apologises for its alleged involvement in the May 9 violence.

In a press briefing on Monday, Inter-Services Public Relations chief Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also expressed disappointment at the inadequate legal response to the scourge of ‘digital terrorism’.

He was speaking at a wide-ranging media briefing, held on the anniversary of the Indian government stripping held Kashmir of its special status, where he also talked about ongoing counter-terrorism operations and socio-economic development projects being undertaken by the army in different parts of the country.

“The military’s position is very clear. This stance has been clearly stated... There has been no change in that position nor will it come,” the spokesman said in response to a question about reports of a possible dialogue between the army and PTI.

The army holds the PTI responsible for inciting riots and arson attacks on May 9, which targeted multiple military installations.

In a press conference on May 7, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary of the May 9 incident, the spokesman laid down clear conditions for any future dialogue with PTI, demanding a sincere public apology, a commitment to abandoning “politics of anarchy”, and embracing “constructive politics”.

Digital terrorism

Lt Gen Chaudhry regretted that the law was not being adequately applied to curb ‘digital terrorism’. He argued that the law should be the primary recourse in combating ‘digital terrorism’, but lamented that it was not being leveraged effectively. The term ‘digital terrorism’ is increasingly being used by the military to describe the use of online spaces by its critics, whom it accuses of spreading falsehoods.

The spokesman underscored the seriousness that the army attached to the issue of criticism it faced on online spaces. “The army will take necessary legal action against any individual, regardless of their location, whether inside the country or abroad, or social standing, who engages in the anti-army propaganda, incites divisions between the public and the military, or spreads false information.”

Lt Gen Sharif also criticised certain former military officers residing abroad, labelling them as unprincipled sellouts, as he accused them of engaging in propaganda against their country, its institutions, and people for minor financial gain.

In response to a question about the US House resolution, the military spokesperson said the army was aware of the orchestrators, facilitators, and their motives behind the campaign. He alleged that substantial funds were spent to engage lobbying firms, foster a narrative of despair and disorder, and advance specific political propaganda.

On Youm-i-Istehsal-i-Kashmir, the ISPR chief said the resolution of the Kashmir dispute was indispensable for sustainable peace in the region and the armed forces paid tribute to the martyrs of Indian-held Kashmir. “Pakistan Army stands with the struggle of Kashmiris for the right of self-determination. Armed forces are fully alert to ensure national security.”

Responding to a question about protests in Gwadar, Lt Gen Sharif criticised the Baloch Yakjehti Comm­ittee claiming they were ‘proxies’ for terrorists and criminal mafias.

“Their strategy involves assembling crowds with foreign funding, inciting unrest among the populace, challenging government authority through stone-throwing, vandalism, and making unreasonable demands, but when the state takes action, they portray themselves as innocent victims,” he claimed.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2024