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CWA # 1400, 24 July 2024
Pakistan Reader
Counter-terrorism, Bannu peace march, 9 May, and Digital Terrorism: What did DG ISPR say and why?

  Rohini Reenum

 

On 22 July, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressed a press conference to dispel rumors surrounding the anti-terror operation Azm-i-Istekham launched last month. Chaudhry also made comments on the violence during Bannu peace march, 9 May perpetrators and the efforts of the security forces and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism in the country. Here is a short review of what Chaudhry said during the presser:
 
On Azm-i-Istekham
The military’s chief spokesperson termed Azm-i-Istekham a “cohesive counter-terrorism campaign” as opposed to only a military operation. According to Dawn, he stated that the counter-terror operation was aimed at flushing out “anti-state individuals and mafias, hell-bent on disrupting peaceful environment in the country.” He also alleged that a narrative was being forged and spread by “vested interests” that the operation would lead to large scale displacement in “target areas.” In this regard, Chaudhry stated “A massive illegal, political mafia rose to sabotage the operation and the first move of that mafia was to make the operation controversial through false and fake arguments.” This false narrative/propaganda is aimed at sustaining a “terror and crime nexus.” Chaudhry clarified that the “counter-terrorism campaign” was launched according to the National Action Plan (NAP) and with consensus. However, the operation was being sabotaged by a “very strong lobby” which did not only have a “vested interest” but was also “receiving a lot of money” to do this. In this regard, the DG stated “When we decided to curb the terror-crime nexus and re-energize the revised NAP, the mafia got worried. Despite the fact that everything was clear, they started making Azm-e-Istehkam controversial because the stakes were very high. There are no ideologies involved. Money is spent on the media and social media to make the operation controversial,” He also opined that “very important issues are being sacrificed at the altar of politics.”
An editorial in Dawn titled “Security concerns” termed the ISPR’s chief’s presser “helpful” as it clarified “some key concerns regarding the scope and objectives of Azm-i-Istehkam.” The editorial, however, expressed skepticism over the presser’s ability to achieve “intended results.” The editorial agreed with the DG’s complaint that the clarification should have come from the civilian government. The editorial also agreed with the DG’s contention that “any successful CT strategy required equal support from the civilian government.” The DG had argued that once an area is “cleared of threats by the armed forces,” it is the responsibility of the respective civilian governments “to rebuild and transfer control back to locals.” If this is not done, then there is a possibility that terrorists will re-emerge, “forcing security personnel to stay engaged in a ‘clear and hold’ cycle in problem areas.” This cycle further builds and fuels resentment among the local population against the security forces. The editorial emphasized that this was a “valid issue” raised by the ISPR chief and that the provincial governments in KP and Balochistan should address the issue. The issue must also be “discussed more in the media.” The editorial also delineated two major disappointments from the presser: One is the fact that it seemed to “lack an accurate diagnosis of the challenges the armed forces are currently facing” and second, that “politics and politicians did end up featuring in this discussion.” According to the editorial, the most important take away from the presser was that the country “needs to present a united front against forces intent on exploiting its weaknesses.”

On Bannu peace march
Responding to a question on violence during the Bannu peace march, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry revealed that some of the “marchers” had not only raised anti-army slogans and resorted to stone-pelting but also attacked a wall of the Bannu cantonment and looted the supply depot. He further added “Some armed protesters resorted to gunfire as a result of which there were injuries.” The army thus reacted in accordance with “the SOP (standard operating procedure) and according to orders.” He also stressed that the army retaliated only after sounding a clear warning. The DG also emphasized that it was the responsibility of the provincial government to control riots and maintain the law and order situation and not the military. In this regard, he stated “It is responsibility of the provincial governments to take action if some miscreants join a protest and beat people.”
 
On 9 May perpetrators and judicial inaction
Talking about the violence during the Bannu peace march, Chaudhry blamed judicial inaction against the 9 May perpetrators. In this regard, he stated “The issue is why all of this happened. This happened because discord, mob mentality, and fascism will further increase in the country when your legal and judicial system gives leeway to the perpetrators and facilitators of the May 9 incident and doesn’t bring them to justice.”
 
On “Digital Terrorism”
The DG hit out at the “detractors” of the military on social media and termed them “digital terrorists.” He also blamed these digital terrorists for false and malicious propaganda against Azm-i-Istekham and state institutions.
An editorial in The News International titled “Our twin battle” blamed the “influx of fake news” for the polarization on social media regarding Azm-i-Istekham and termed it “unfortunate.” The editorial highlighted the fact that “misinformation and fake news targeting state institutions” have become “rampant” and that they adversely impact “national cohesion.” While accepting the contribution of the military and security agencies in dealing with terrorism, the editorial also pointed out that “given Pakistan’s unfortunate history, there are always going to be inevitable questions about the balance between military actions and democratic governance, and the essential principle of civilian supremacy.” Further, the editorial emphasized that while “nothing good can come out of undermining terror efforts,” it is imperative that “democratic principles” be upheld and space for “dissent and criticism” be allowed. The editorial also called for the judiciary and legal systems to act “impartially” in order to avoid “censorship or suppression of legitimate political discourse.” The editorial concluded that “lasting stability and prosperity” in the country can only be achieved through “a balanced approach.”

On counter-terrorism
The ISPR chief highlighted that in this year alone, the security forces conducted 22,409 intelligence-based operations in which 398 “alleged terrorists” have been killed.  Further, 31 “most wanted targets” have also been killed in these operations. However, 137 officers and soldiers also lost their lives in these operations. The DG lamented that despite the security forces having cleared several areas, “a vicious cycle of ‘clear and hold’” remains due to the inability of the provincial government to “build and transfer.”
 
References
Iftikhar A. Khan, “Military rues ‘Istehkam’ sacrificed at altar of politics,” Dawn, 23 July 2024
Muhammad Anis, “Anarchy if judicial system doesn’t punish May 9 culprits: ISPR,” The News International, 23 July 2024
“Security concerns,” Dawn, 23 July 2024
“Our twin battle,” The News International, 23 July 2024

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