Immoral Exploitation of Freedom of Expression to Target Pak Army

(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi)

In Pakistan, there has been an increase in propaganda against the country and its military in recent days. The Pakistani government, along with the Pakistan Army, is working diligently to address the nation’s current challenges. In a significant diplomatic development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently visited Islamabad, marking a noteworthy moment in the bilateral relations between Belarus and Pakistan. The visit emphasized a mutual interest in strengthening economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and political dialogue between the two countries. It also highlighted the changing dynamics of global geopolitics, as both nations seek to diversify their international partnerships amidst shifting alliances and challenges in the global landscape. President Lukashenko’s trip to Pakistan occurred against the backdrop of evolving international relations. As a traditional ally of Russia, Belarus has faced increasing international scrutiny due to its support for Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. With the West imposing harsh sanctions on Belarus, the country has increasingly turned to new economic partners, particularly in Asia, to navigate these sanctions and secure its geopolitical position. For Pakistan, the visit presented a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with Eastern Europe, diversify its foreign relations, and explore economic opportunities in sectors like trade, agriculture, defense, and technology. A key focus of President Lukashenko’s visit was to enhance economic and trade relations between the two nations. Belarus, known for its advanced agricultural technologies and manufacturing expertise, views Pakistan as an important partner across various sectors. Belarus boasts a strong agricultural industry, particularly in machinery, fertilizers, and technology. During meetings with Pakistani officials, President Lukashenko emphasized the potential for Belarus to support Pakistan in modernizing its agricultural sector, a key component of the country’s food security and economic development. Both sides explored the possibility of increasing Belarusian agricultural machinery exports to Pakistan and collaborating on the production of high-quality fertilizers. While bilateral trade has traditionally been limited, the visit revealed significant opportunities for growth. The two countries signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting trade, enhancing transportation links, and establishing joint ventures in sectors like pharmaceuticals, heavy industry, and IT services. Both nations expressed their goal of reaching $1 billion in bilateral trade, a notable increase from current levels.

Defense cooperation was another major focus of President Lukashenko’s visit. Belarus and Pakistan have previously collaborated in defense, with Belarus supplying military equipment and technical expertise. The visit opened new avenues for cooperation in defense production and technological exchanges. As Pakistan seeks to diversify its defense sources, Belarus, with its well-established defense industry, is seen as a valuable partner for military hardware and defense technology. The two leaders discussed expanding joint defense manufacturing, training programs, and supplies of military equipment. With both countries facing security challenges, they also discussed enhancing cooperation on counterterrorism and regional security. Belarus expressed its willingness to assist Pakistan in tackling security concerns, particularly related to extremism and militancy. Both sides recognized the importance of regional stability and pledged to collaborate on shared security issues.

In addition to economic and defense matters, the visit highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural and educational ties. Although Belarus and Pakistan have a history of friendly relations, mutual public perception remains limited. The visit emphasized the desire to increase people-to-people exchanges, particularly in areas like higher education, tourism, and cultural diplomacy. President Lukashenko proposed deeper collaboration between Belarusian and Pakistani universities, focusing on technical education, engineering, and science. Given Pakistan’s growing interest in technological innovation, especially in information technology and biotechnology, Belarus presents an attractive partner for academic collaboration and research sharing. While Belarus is not a major tourist destination for Pakistanis, discussions during the visit also touched on promoting tourism exchanges and cultural diplomacy. Belarus boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant cultural heritage, all of which the Belarusian government views as an opportunity to showcase to Pakistani tourists. The visit also held significant geopolitical importance. For Belarus, strengthening its relationship with Pakistan is a key aspect of its broader strategy to diversify its foreign relations in light of Western sanctions and growing isolation due to its support of Russia in the Ukraine conflict. By engaging with Pakistan, which holds a strategically advantageous position in South Asia and the broader Islamic world, Belarus aims to forge new trade and political alliances. For Pakistan, the visit presented a valuable opportunity to engage with a European nation outside its traditional sphere of influence. It reflects Pakistan’s strategic intent to diversify its foreign policy, particularly as tensions with neighboring India and Afghanistan continue to shape its priorities. By strengthening ties with Belarus and other non-traditional partners, Pakistan aims to reduce its reliance on traditional allies. Given the importance of the visit, special security measures were required to ensure foolproof protection, and Pakistan is no stranger to deploying its armed forces to secure foreign delegations.

In international diplomacy, ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries and official venues is crucial for maintaining strong and productive relations between countries. While diplomats and government officials work to build ties, the protection of visiting officials often involves military forces. Many nations have relied on their military to safeguard foreign delegations, integrating national security with diplomatic protocol.

In 2014, a political party, considered a major threat to Pakistan’s peace and development, planned a long march to Islamabad during the visit of the Chinese President. This party also orchestrated a similar attack on Islamabad on the exact dates of the Belarusian President’s visit. The protest march, which had no connection to the interests of the common people and was solely driven by political motives, was dispersed through a crackdown. To protect key government buildings and secure the visit of the foreign President, the government deployed the military in the capital. The same political party and its allies abroad began spreading propaganda against the military’s deployment. At a recent Formation Commanders’ Conference of the Pakistan Army, participants expressed concerns over the malicious propaganda regarding the army’s role in securing government buildings and ensuring a safe environment for foreign delegations. The two-day 84th Formation Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, addressed these concerns, as reported by the Department of Public Relations (ISPR). In a statement released after the Formation Commanders’ Conference, the ISPR condemned the malicious propaganda being spread regarding the lawful deployment of the army in the capital to protect key government buildings and ensure a secure environment for foreign delegations visiting Pakistan. This coordinated and premeditated campaign is seen as part of a deliberate effort by certain political elements to create a rift between the people and Pakistan’s armed forces and institutions. The statement also emphasized that this failed attempt, supported by external forces, will not succeed. It added that the forum highlighted the necessity for the government to enact and enforce strict laws to prevent the reckless and unethical use of freedom of expression to spread lies, hatred, and division. There is also a pressing need to identify and hold accountable those who spread fake news for political and financial gains, the participants noted. The forum reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army is unwavering in its commitment to serving the nation and its people, confronting both external and internal threats impartially, without any political bias. It condemned any efforts to incite violence and create divisions among innocent people for personal gain.

The same group also launched a social media campaign urging a boycott of products from companies managed by the Pakistan Army, but this call has been largely ignored by the people and investors. Recent statistics show that the stock prices of these companies continue to rise, with profits growing despite these malicious calls for a boycott.

Regrettably, the state has been treating these malicious elements too leniently. The people of Pakistan demand decisive action against those spreading false and harmful propaganda against Pakistan and its military. The people of Pakistan stand firmly with the Army and reject any attempts to spread hatred against the true defenders of the country.