Imran Khan, founder of the PTI and currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, remarked on Wednesday that certain individuals who lack an understanding of social media were labeling dissent as “digital terrorism.”
In May, amidst growing social media criticism, the army labeled such expressions as “digital terrorism” and committed to combating and defeating anti-military campaigns online. This statement, made following the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference, indicated a toughening stance against online dissent and hinted at a potential crackdown on critics.
In recent years, social media campaigns against the military have intensified, reflecting broader national political and social tensions. The government, often in collaboration with the military, has responded with strict measures to control the narrative and suppress dissent, resulting in numerous arrests and legal actions against journalists and social media users accused of spreading “negative propaganda” about the military and the state. There have also been instances of restricted internet access and bans on major social media platforms like X.
The military’s reaction came in response to a post on Imran Khan’s X account, where he urged followers to read the Hamoodur Rehman Commission Report on the events leading to the separation of East Pakistan.
The term “digital terrorism” resurfaced at the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference earlier this month, where attendees condemned the “politically motivated digital terrorism” propagated by conspirators and their foreign allies. They claimed this was intended to induce “despondency in the nation and create discord through blatant lies, fake news, and propaganda.”
Following the military’s statements, PTI argued that labeling free speech as “digital terrorism” would harm both the country and its institutions. Earlier this week, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif stated that a false narrative was being spread against the army and its leadership on social media, with “digital terrorists” using cell phones, computers, and propaganda akin to terrorism. PTI criticized the press conference, stating it was unnecessary.
In response, Imran Khan’s X account posted: “The nation is being demonized by labeling the entire Pakistani population as terrorists. A few individuals from the 70s, who are out of touch with social media, are distributing the label of digital terrorism.”
Imran Khan cautioned that labeling PTI supporters as “digital terrorists” could create a rift between the military and the people. “Ninety percent of the population supports PTI, and ninety percent voted for us,” he said, urging those inciting hatred to reconsider their actions.
He drew a parallel to the 1971 events, warning that calling the majority of the population terrorists could have dangerous consequences. “Countries, governments, and societies are built on ethics. When morals disappear, nothing remains,” he added. He emphasized that demanding the supremacy of the Constitution and genuine freedom was not treasonous.
Imran Khan criticized the “ridiculous cases” against PTI leaders and workers, suggesting that these were attempts to suppress their peaceful political activities through fascist tactics. He announced that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur would lead a rally in Islamabad, urging the nation to participate in the rally for true freedom against the oppressive system.
Addressing media reports that he had acknowledged calling for a protest outside the General Headquarters (GHQ) if arrested, Imran Khan denied inciting violence. He stated that there is no record of violent protests in PTI’s nearly three-decade history and that his party’s political training emphasizes non-violence and legal struggle.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized PTI for allegedly engaging in a propaganda campaign against the armed forces, declaring that such actions would “not be tolerated at all.”