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Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, on Friday, highlighted the pressing challenges confronting the world, including the “rapid spread of false and misleading information” and the growing threat of “violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism”.
During a special session of the “Margalla Dialogue 2024”, organized by the “Islamabad Policy Research Institute” IPRI, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir emphasized: “Pakistan’s role in fostering regional harmony and global peace, highlighting significant achievements in this area”.
The Margalla Dialogue 2024 served as a platform to reflect on Pakistan’s role in fostering regional stability and promoting international peace amid a rapidly evolving global environment.
In discussing “Pakistan’s Role in Peace and Stability,” General Munir emphasized the need to address urgent global challenges.
He recognized the growing impact of non-state actors as a critical concern, especially given the rapid shifts in the global landscape.
“There are endless transformations in the economy, power dynamics, and technology worldwide,” the Army Chief noted. “While technology has significantly enhanced the dissemination of information, it has also become a vehicle for the spread of false and misleading narratives, which pose serious challenges.”
Munir further emphasized the importance of comprehensive regulations to counter the destabilizing effects of misinformation.
“Without robust laws and frameworks, false narratives and hateful rhetoric will continue to erode political and social stability,” General Munir warned.
He firmly asserted that “unchecked freedom of expression, devoid of appropriate rules and regulations, is fundamentally eroding moral values in societies worldwide. This unchecked freedom is also actively fueling inequality, intolerance, and divisive sentiments along religious, sectarian, and ethnic lines on a global scale.”
Highlighting the significant challenges faced by Pakistan, the Army Chief remarked, “Our shared objectives encompass addressing critical issues such as combating climate change, fighting terrorism, and ensuring global health.”
Referring to militancy, the Army Chief stated, “Terrorism is a shared challenge for all of humanity, and our resolve to combat it remains unwavering.”
He highlighted that a comprehensive border management regime has been implemented to secure Pakistan’s western borders.
Describing Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP and other militant groups) as a sanctuary for various terrorist organizations and global proxies, the Army Chief emphasized Pakistan’s expectation that the Afghan interim government will ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism and will take stringent measures in this regard.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, he stated, “Pakistan is dedicated to and will continue playing its pivotal role in promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally.”
He further emphasized that determination is a key component of Pakistan’s National Action Plan, which aims to eradicate terrorism and extremism.
General Munir’s address underscored the need for collaborative efforts to combat emerging threats and build a more harmonious future.
Referring to regional developments, the Army Chief stated that India’s extremist ideology has made minorities unsafe not only within its borders but also abroad, particularly in countries like the United States, Britain, and Canada.
He described India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir as a continuation of its Hindutva-driven policies, emphasizing that resolving the Kashmir issue by United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential.
The Army Chief also highlighted Pakistan’s consistent support for peace in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning Israeli aggression in the region. He noted that Pakistan has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in these areas and has sent humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance, he said, “Pakistan has always advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.” He affirmed that while Pakistan will not be part of any global conflict, it will remain committed to playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability worldwide.
The Army Chief further highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to global peacekeeping, stating, “Over 235,000 Pakistanis have served in United Nations peacekeeping missions, with 181 making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of world peace.”
The Army Chief stated, “A country with a population of 240 million, where 63% of the people are under the age of 30, is richly endowed with immense natural resources and has emerged as a major agricultural producer on the global stage.”
He further said, “Pakistan possesses significant reserves of rare minerals and has also established itself as a key player in the global freelancing industry.”
The Chief of the Pakistani Army also remarked, “Due to its abundant resources, unique geographical location, and seaport, Pakistan holds immense importance for trade with Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.”
The world faces growing challenges from the “rapid spread of false and misleading information” and the escalating threat posed by “violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism,” according to global security experts. The unchecked dissemination of misinformation, often amplified by technology, is destabilizing political and social structures, while terrorism remains a critical global concern.
Since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021, there has been a sharp rise in terrorist activities across the region and beyond. The re-emergence of groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K in Afghanistan has not only fueled regional instability but also heightened fears of cross-border terrorism. Analysts warn that Afghanistan has become a haven for extremist elements, complicating global counterterrorism efforts.
The situation demands coordinated international action to address these interconnected threats, emphasizing the importance of robust regulations to counter misinformation and collective measures to combat terrorism.
Arshad Mehmood is a conflict zone journalist with extensive experience covering the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Associated with a prestigious American news agency, The Media Line USA. He is a highly experienced journalist with a proven track record of covering inland and across-the-border terrorism and counter-terrorism narratives and incidents. (https://themedialine.org/) Most of his news stories published in The Media Line are also featured on JPost.com, a major media outlet in the Middle East. He can be reached via @RajaAajtv on social media.
