By: Asem Mustafa Awan
The nation and army are on the same page and nothing can come in between the two and those who try to sabotage this relationship will be dealt with an iron hand.
Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in his meeting with retired and serving officers in two different sessions expressed these views making it clear that those who hold ulterior and nefarious designs to create a rift will not be spared.
COAS also met Major Haris in Combine Military Hospital who a few days ago was beaten up and suffered a fractured arm by the armed guards of a political stalwart from the current ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The General assured that the law will take its course and the people responsible for the atrocious act are behind bars.
The campaign against Pakistan Army particularly in recent times has tentacles that spread out internationally and a systematic campaign is in place to malign the image of the defense forces.
The unearthing of ‘disinfo lab’ operating from abroad with fake accounts has done great damage but was finally countered and Research and Analysis Wing of India was found to be behind it.
It is pertinent to note the ‘fifth generation war or hybrid warfare’ for that matter is all about influencing the people with systematic sublime messages in influencing their opinion.
The recent political turmoil with Imran Khan’s ouster from Prime Minister’s office owing to ‘regime change’ made people vent out their anger on army’s role which was checked by Imran Khan asking the people it is about Pakistan and nothing else.
The military spokesman is on record having said that army decided to remain neutral and let democratic forces take its course.
The hue and cry from masses who came out protesting displayed their displeasure in a manner that shook the entire country. Imran Khan in his ouster from office has gathered public that comes in hundreds of thousands to listen to his speech and he asked his followers to come with Pakistan flag instead of party flag.
It is worth mentioning that not a single time the former prime minister pointed a finger towards the army rather in his tenure he gave strength and reinforced the nation’s defense and is on record that he flatly refused United States to operate drones from Pakistan airspace.
It is also on record the ‘absolutely not’ statement from Imran Khan resulted in ‘regime change’ and the current political setup and many of its stalwarts are on record for flaying the ousted premier for raucous remarks.
Both the Army Chief and Imran Khan have said stated misinformation and propaganda threaten state integrity and requires timely and unified response.
Fifteen years of systematic maligning of Pakistan from the ‘disinfo lab’ is just one case of how many others are operating need joint efforts both from the nation and its defenders. It has gone too far and for too long now. It is the time to work together in building the nation’s trust which existed in the hard times when Pakistan came into being.
The writer is Special Correspondent at The Dayspring