Derogatory anti-army propaganda denounced

Asif, Bezinjo allege propaganda bankrolled by 'certain elements'

SIALKOT/ QUETTA:

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday lashed out at the “hurtful and derogatory” social media campaign against the army following the recent helicopter crash that resulted in the martyrdom of six army officers, alleging people perpetuating the propaganda were being bankrolled by 'certain elements'.

The statement comes amid an ongoing online smear campaign stoking the speculations that the helicopter crash was “orchestrated” through conspiracy by the country’s security establishment. The conspiracy theory fell on the fertile ground after similar allegations echoed from certain political activists who fumed against the military.

A day earlier, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) also condemned negative propaganda, saying that it had hurt the sentiments of the families of the martyrs.

Speaking during a news conference on Saturday, the defence minister blamed "a person who was imposed upon the nation in 2018" -- a tacit reference to PTI chief Imran Khan.Without naming the former prime minister, Asif said that the nation needed to reflect on who brought the situation to this point. "If the institutions are used against political opponents then it's fine but when the same institutions act against you there is a problem."

He said that the language used on social media was considered a reflection of society. "In the past three to four years the people who were in power and the ones who were in the opposition before that used language which is having a very bad impact on our society," he deplored. He asserted that such language cannot be tolerated in any civilised society.

Read more: Army condemns ‘hurtful’ campaign

"Pakistan does not need an enemy from outside. We have enemies inside who are pursuing enemies' agenda. We are not a society anymore. We have become a crowd."

"These institutions protect us ... in a society there can be differences but one should never resort to defamatory language ... these are not our political traditions," he asserted.

"When a child gets spoiled what do the elders do? They try to correct them. Those who think they have a role in politics should make sure there is harmony in politics."

"In my opinion, all limits have been breached but if I say something it will be counted as political point scoring,” he added.

The defence minister said that the soldiers are embracing martyrdoms in K-P, Balochistan and erstwhile Fata and what their families are going through is unimaginable. He stressed that the law must take its course and relevant institutions should take action against such elements, adding that no politics should be done in such matters.

‘Damaging country’s integrity’

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bezinjo also condemned the negative propaganda surrounding the tragic helicopter crash.

"The officers and jawans of Pakistan Army who are engaged in relief activities from Khyber to the coasts of Balochistan need the encouragement of the nation," CM said in a statement. He said the negative propaganda by certain quarters can damage the country's integrity.

While expressing his sympathies with the bereaved families, he said the best officers of the country were separated from us in the helicopter accident as the nation is in a state of grief.

"The negative propaganda will increase the grief of the nation and bereaved families," he said and clarified that 240 million people of Pakistan were with the Pakistan Army yesterday, they are with them today and they will always be with the brave armed forces of Pakistan.

The relationship between the Pakistan Army and the nation is based on mutual love, respect and trust.
"Certain insensitive quarters resorted to hurtful and derogatory comments on social media,” he deplored and vowed that “no power in the world can separate the Pakistan Army and the Pakistani nation from each other”.