Digital battlefield

Psychological warfare and propaganda to lower an opponent’s morale and resolve is an ancient technique employed by adversaries -- directly or indirectly.

However, the means available to conduct these operations have evolved with technological advancements. Today, we find ourselves at a unique juncture where, due to the reach, penetration and inexpensive availability of social media, the global community is exposed to the weaponisation of this technology on an unprecedented scale. It can instantly influence and occupy millions of minds within days or even moments.

Advanced nations are actively using this technique, while illiterate or inadequately educated nations and groups are its primary victims. Without a doubt, Pakistan falls into the latter category, bearing the brunt of these attacks. Poverty, disease, injustice and illiteracy, combined with the widespread availability of cell phones and internet connectivity, have made us especially vulnerable to our detractors. They have nearly succeeded in weakening us politically, economically, and psychologically.

Unfortunately, instead of recognising the effective use of this grave and lethal weapon against us and addressing it in a coherent, nationwide manner, we have descended into internal conflict -- pointing fingers at each other and blaming everyone except the real perpetrators. This inferno of misinformation and disinformation, intertwined with elements of hybrid warfare, is precisely what our adversaries intended. Their strategy has been to create chaos, sow mistrust, provoke infighting, deepen existing divides, and manufacture new ones. As a result, we are now thoroughly polarised along every possible line. Nearly all key institutions are crumbling, wary of each other, and deeply affected by this new weapon of war: disinformation through social media.

The difference between misinformation and disinformation lies in intent. Misinformation is unintentional but still harmful, whereas disinformation is deliberately crafted with clear objectives. It follows a planned sequence, with precursors and follow-up actions, constantly evaluated and adjusted to ensure maximum impact. When a chaotic situation is manufactured through a well-orchestrated disinformation campaign, society inevitably fractures into polarised factions. The aim is then to pit the strongest public groups or national institutions against one another. Binding forces are weakened, undermined, and attacked from every possible angle, making this a real hybrid war.

A dangerous misperception fuels this conflict: “I am well-informed, rational, and clearly see that the other side is being misled, misinformed, and led astray.” Operators ensure that both (or multiple) sides dig deeper into their positions until they are entrenched beyond escape, even if they wish to break free.

This is exactly what has happened to us. Just take a moment to reflect: Which country was caught running a disinformation campaign by Europe’s top tech information lab? Which country was furious over Pakistan’s so-called dual role, leading to significant embarrassment? Which country’s former and current prime ministers have openly declared Pakistan their greatest enemy?

Now, consider their capabilities and alliances. If this is not enough to open our eyes, we may already be a lost cause. Those who believe they have superior access to information are, in reality, more vulnerable to manipulation -- especially if, due to our past mistakes, our adversaries have already gained deep access to our systems.

I acknowledge the risk of speaking out but realise that we have now entered the red zone. If we fail to grasp the full extent of the situation and take immediate action, we are doomed (Allah forbid). The primary targets in this attack are well known to us all: the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. The leadership of both must urgently reconcile, join forces, and work together to pull the country back from this downward spiral.

We have been subjected to the ‘boiling frog’ phenomenon, gradually desensitised to our worsening predicament. Every other day, international media outlets or questionable financial institutions release statements that strengthen or weaken one faction, ensuring that neither side concedes and that conflict remains imminent. No country can survive a clash between its major institutions, security forces, and a large segment of its population. This strategy has been successfully deployed in Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and beyond. Are we blind to its repetition here? The argument that ‘we are not like those countries’" is dangerously self-deceptive.

So, what must we do now?

We must immediately plan and execute a nationwide campaign, using all available communication channels, to inform the public of what has happened to us thus far. We must acknowledge that all institutions and public platforms may have been infiltrated by disinformation, fake news and false narratives. Without delay, we should conduct a referendum to address the precarious situation and seek public approval for: a national government; a new Election Commission; and a cooling-down period of at least one year.

All of this should be overseen by an Apex National Council, comprising the heads of all major political parties, the chief justices, the leaders of all security forces, prominent media professionals, renowned economists, leading industrialists, and apex legal forums.

This council must take decisive steps, including releasing all political figures, granting amnesty to exiled journalists and analysts, and fostering national reconciliation.

Let us open our hearts and arms to one another, replacing hatred and division with unity and solidarity. This one act alone will dismantle the grand schemes of our enemies. We can plan for a brighter future later. But first, we must foil the adversary’s campaign. There is no time left for debate on the urgency of reconciliation.

The writer is a freelance contributor.