Pakistan Army Chief Warns of “Digital Terrorism”, Implicates Khan’s Party

Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, has accused “inimical forces” of unleashing “digital terrorism” and attempting to sow division between the military and the public through “lies, fake news and propaganda,” Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

In a speech to army officers, Munir said the designs of these forces would be defeated with the support of the nation, referring to an ongoing social media campaign accusing the army of being involved in politics and maneuvering the February general elections.

His speech coincided with the first anniversary of attacks on military installations during violent protests against the brief arrest of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case in Islamabad on May 9 last year.

Social media, which was predominantly exploited by several political parties, notably Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to run their election campaigns, has long been facing bans and suspensions over the past few years.

The army has accused Imran Khan’s party of involvement in the May 9 incident, which the party denies.