Unfettered free speech imperils moral values: COAS

Blames technology for spreading misinformation;

ISLAMABAD:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has warned against the perils of unregulated freedom of expression, saying that without adequate regulatory frameworks misinformation and hate speech would continue to thrive and threaten political and social structures of societies.

"Absence of proper regulations for freedom of expression is leading to deterioration of moral values in societies the world over," he said while addressing at a special ceremony of the "Margalla Dialogue 2024" organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Friday.

The army chief spoke on the topic: 'Pakistan's Role in Peace and Stability' and highlighted the country's significant contributions in promoting regional harmony and international peace.

The world is confronted by several challenges, including rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation being one of the major challenges, he added. Although technology has played a crucial role in disseminating information, it has also been instrumental in a rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation.

The army chief said Pakistan was playing a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability -- both regionally and globally. A total of 235,000 Pakistani blue berets have participated in UN missions in maintaining global peace, while 181 Pakistanis have also sacrificed their lives during these peacekeeping missions.

Gen Munir reiterated that Pakistan would not become part of any global conflict; rather it would continue to play its role in maintaining global peace and stability. The influence of non-state actors has increased significantly due to global changes, which is also a key challenge, he added.

The COAS said that the world was also witnessing immense transformations in the fields of economy, military, and technology. "Terrorism by violent non-state actors and state-sponsored entities remains a significant global challenge," he added.

Gen Munir said that inequality, intolerance, and division on religious, sectarian, and ethnic grounds have also witnessed upward trend globally. Our shared goals and key challenges are combating climate change, fighting terrorism, and ensuring global health, he added.

Reiterating Pakistan's unwavering resolve in the fight against terrorism, the COAS said that terrorism remained a shared challenge for all humanity at the global level. Pakistan has established a comprehensive border management regime to secure our western borders, he added.

He said that the menace of 'Fitna al Khawarij' has become a haven for all terrorist organisations and proxies worldwide. "We expect the Afghan interim government to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan and to take strict measures in this regard," he said. The 'Azm-e-Istihkam' initiative was an essential part of the National Action Plan, aimed at eradicating menace of terrorism and extremism.

About Pakistan's eastern neighbour, Gen Munir said: "Due to India's extremist ideology, minorities, especially in the US, the UK, and Canada, are not safe." He added India's oppression in the Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir was a continuation of its 'Hindutva Ideology' and policies. Resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions and as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is imperative, he said.

The COAS said that Pakistan has always demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and added that Islamabad has sent humanitarian aid to both the countries several times. Pakistan has always emphasised the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, he added.

General Munir said Pakistan is a nation of 240 million people, with approximately 63 per cent of its population under the age of 30. "Pakistan is endowed with immense natural resources and has emerged as a major agricultural producer globally," he said.

He said Pakistan has also large reserves of rare minerals, besides it is an important player in global freelancing. "Owing to its unique geographical location and sea ports, Pakistan holds significant importance for trade with Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East," he said.