Dispelling rumours

In an earnest effort to put the record straight, the military has retorted that some anti-social elements are at work to harm national interests. In a presser yesterday, the Director General ISPR went on to blame a “political mafia” active through ‘digital terrorism’ to sabotage the state’s recently announced operation named, Azm-i-Istehkam to further their “nefarious designs”. Though he did not name any political entity, his time and again alluding to a series of recent upheavals had a message in the wings. The spokesperson’s prime concern was that attempts are being made in a choreographic manner for an “organised propaganda” against the armed forces based on “false and concocted news”.

One of the most important messages that the ISPR felt like making clear is that Azm-i-Istehkam is not a military operation, as it is merely glued to intelligence-based scoops to mop out terrorists, unlike the previous episodes of Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb. Perhaps that was necessary to clear the air of misgivings as almost all of the political parties had nursed serious reservations, and even those in power were sceptical to commit to one that would lead to mass displacements and war-mongering. The spokesperson was apt in denying that impression, especially at a time when the restive regions of K-P and Balochistan are experiencing upheavals as is evident from the sabotage activity in Bannu at the hands of a few who wanted to opt for point-scoring against the armed forces.

The DG ISPR was referring to elements who are tech-savvy and have taken on a campaign to spread fake news and allegations against national institutions. That is why he was quick to state that such elements are in political cahoots and are hoodwinking the system at work for their benefit. All these submissions make a perfect case of some serious misgivings that are there between the army and a section of political thought, and inevitably are in need of fence-mending. Taking on the table, rather than talking through the media, is the way out for restoring political stability and letting all the organs of the state work in tandem as per constitutional dictates.