In a press conference on Monday, Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif labeled those who allegedly criticize the army and its leadership through fake news as ‘digital terrorists,’ stating that only law and punishments can stop these individuals.
The key point of this statement was when General Sharif compared extremists with ‘digital terrorists,’ stating that “both target the army.” He said,
“Digital terrorists are attacking the army, its leadership, and the relationship between the army and the public by spreading fake news.”
Lieutenant General Sharif further elaborated,
Just as a terrorist tries to impose their will by wielding weapons, digital terrorists try to impose their will through mobile phones, computers, lies, fake news, and propaganda, causing unrest.
This statement came on the same day that the Pakistan Ministry of Interior claimed that the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) was involved in ‘anti-state propaganda’ following the joint operation of Islamabad Police and FIA, resulting in the arrest of PTI spokesperson Rauf Hassan.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior’s spokesperson mentioned that this action was taken “in light of preliminary investigations and digital content.”
In response to the Pakistan Army’s press conference, the PTI, the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stated,
When we ask why the laws are being misused against us, is that also digital terrorism? Do we not even have that right? Will journalists be called digital terrorists for asking questions? This cannot be.
It’s worth noting that the term ‘digital terrorism’ was previously used by the Pakistan Army in May during the Corps Commanders’ Conference, where it was stated that the clear objective of digital terrorism is to “spread despair among the Pakistani nation and create divisions among national institutions.”
This raises the question: What exactly is digital terrorism, and on what basis can someone be labeled a digital terrorist? Additionally, we sought to find out if the term ‘digital terrorism’ is used in other countries around the world.
What is Digital Terrorism?
Globally, the term ‘cyber terrorism’ is often used. Dorothy Denning, a renowned American researcher specializing in cybersecurity, defines cyber terrorism as attacks carried out via computers or connected networks to harm a government for political or social purposes.
Here, an important question arises: Can online propaganda or misinformation be classified as ‘terrorism’?
Digital rights expert Huja Kamran states that “propaganda and disinformation cannot be called digital terrorism because the concept of terrorism is entirely different, and it gives the impression that severe action is being taken without a fair trial.”
She adds that the use of this term is actually to “increase control over the online space and to promote fear so that people do not exercise their basic rights.”
According to Huja Kamran, “The prevention of propaganda and disinformation should be based on evidence through fact-checking, not by labeling it as terrorism and criminalizing it.”
Why Does the Pakistan Army Use the Term ‘Digital Terrorism’?
Abdul Basit, a researcher based in Singapore with a keen eye on security affairs, says that in South Asia, the term terrorism is used to discredit individuals or groups.
He further explains, “The purpose of using this term is to shape public opinion, create a narrative, or pave the way for a crackdown against a group.”
According to him, a crime can only be termed as terrorism in technical security language if there is an ideology behind it.
“When you commit a crime based on ideology, it is called terrorism.”
He notes that looking at the current political situation, the general perception is that the target of the action against ‘digital terrorism’ could be the PTI, which has always been very active on social media.
Huja Kamran emphasizes that labeling criticism of state institutions as ‘terrorism’ is inappropriate and will curtail the rights granted to people by the constitution.
She further argues that state institutions need to reconsider their stance on criticism and differentiate between criticism and propaganda.
Is the Term ‘Digital Terrorism’ Used in Other Countries?
Faran Jafri, Deputy Director of the UK-based think tank Islamic Theology of Counter Terrorism, believes that digital terrorism seems like a very vague term.
He says, “In Western liberal democracies, criticism of the state or military is viewed as freedom of expression.”
Yes, if a government official is criticized based on religion, sect, or ethnicity, it is considered hate speech. Similarly, if people are incited to attack the military, then the accused can be charged with terrorism and multiple other offenses.
According to Faran Jafri, it is difficult to understand why the Pakistan Army is using such a vague term for the criticism it faces on social media.
“Maybe they are looking for a harsh term to describe the criticism they face on social media.”
However, he acknowledges that some criticism of the military on social media is beyond comprehension.
For example, some accounts on X (Twitter) mock Pakistani soldiers who have been killed, and some people praise Taliban attacks on the military. This is equivalent to crossing a red line.
He believes that Pakistan’s existing laws are sufficient to tackle hate speech on social media.
I don’t think Pakistan needs new laws or vague terms like digital terrorism to deal with all this.