- By: Barrister Usman Ali (Ph.D.)
Zero tolerance against terrorism and anti-state propaganda is no longer a slogan or the responsibility of any one institution , it’s a question of Pakistan’s collective survival. The recent press conference by DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif in Peshawar carried a clear and uncompromising message: the will of one individual or a single political group cannot be allowed to dictate the fate of the state. Terrorism is not just a military or law enforcement issue , it’s a national issue, affecting 240 million people, the economy, the social fabric, the judiciary, and the country’s global standing.
The time for finger-pointing and mourning over past mistakes has long passed. Those mistakes , in which state institutions, political leadership, and a large section of the public all share responsibility in one way or another , must be acknowledged. What is needed now is a national strategy that is firm, transparent, and effective.
The foundation of this strategy must be a clear and robust legal framework that draws a balanced line between freedom of expression and national security. It should be rooted in international human rights standards to ensure it cannot be weaponized for political revenge or to silence legitimate dissent. Oversight, legal appeals, and independent expert involvement must be built into the structure so the law remains a shield , not a sword.
In today’s world, misinformation and dangerous narratives on social media and digital platforms can be just as destructive as any weapon. The state should forge strong, transparent agreements with major tech companies to ensure swift action whenever terrorist or anti-state content is identified. Independent fact-checking networks and research units should be strengthened with stable funding and technical capacity. Citizens should have a clear and easy way to report, document, and track such content , because this is a fight that cannot be won without public participation.
Let’s be honest: every person holding a phone and microphone today can become a vector for disinformation. Protests and incidents are exaggerated, narratives are manufactured, and chaos is amplified. This is not “harmless chatter” , it mirrors the psychological tactics of terrorism itself. That’s why Pakistan urgently needs a national code of conduct for digital spaces. Political, judicial, or national security commentary should not be left entirely unregulated. Those who use their platforms for mass influence should undergo mandatory registration and basic media literacy training, including fact-checking. Those who deliberately spread lies or destabilizing narratives should face legal consequences, including fines or removal from platforms. This isn’t about silencing dissent , it’s about making expression responsible.
To win this war, our institutions must also be capable. Counter-terrorism efforts can’t end with arrests; they must end with convictions. That requires stronger evidence gathering, modern forensic labs, robust witness protection, and fast-track courts. Justice delayed weakens deterrence. Justice delivered swiftly and fairly builds national confidence.
The battle against terrorism is not only fought with weapons but also with narratives. Terror groups thrive on psychological warfare and ideological manipulation. The state must respond with a powerful, inclusive, and fact-based counter-narrative that resonates with ordinary citizens. Schools, mosques, media, and community leaders must all play a part in building a shared national understanding that terrorism is not rebellion or resistance , it is treachery. Media literacy programs should empower young people to recognize propaganda before it spreads.
No counter-terrorism strategy is complete without addressing economic and social roots. Unemployment, educational voids, and social marginalization give extremist groups fertile ground to recruit. Expanding youth employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship opportunities can dry up those roots and strengthen the social fabric.
International engagement is also essential. Terror networks rarely exist within borders alone. They thrive on cross-border financial, logistical, and ideological support. Pakistan must present its evidence clearly, engage diplomatically, and build alliances that strengthen its global position. This is not an internal fight alone , it is a regional and global battle.
Public trust and participation will determine the outcome. Community-level reporting mechanisms, hotlines, and neighborhood watch networks can help detect threats early. When citizens become partners in their own protection, the state’s response becomes faster, smarter, and more resilient.
Media also bears immense responsibility. Amplifying unverified claims strengthens enemy narratives. Responsible reporting, balanced language, and fact-checking can prevent panic and polarization. At the same time, the state must uphold transparency so that misinformation does not fill the void.
In the end, this war isn’t the military’s alone. It belongs to the entire nation. If the state, political leadership, media, judiciary, and citizens stand together, no force can undermine Pakistan. A zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and anti-state propaganda must not remain a slogan , it must become a shared national resolve.
The real question now is simple: will we remain divided, or will we unite to defend our future? A united people can turn the tide. A fractured society will only feed the enemies of the state. This is the moment to choose strength , together.