In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment, Pakistan, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture in its ongoing battle against extremism. The article discusses the significance of counter-terrorism measures such as recently announced Operation Azm-e-Istehkam (AeI). In the process of enhancing internal security and fight against fake news especially on social media platforms, the army of Pakistan is experiencing rising skepticism. However, the issues related to the protection of the borders and the involvement of Afghan refugees further add up to the conditions and, therefore, the article below dwells on these aspects only.
In a sad turn of event, Bannu Cantonment, a Military Garrison town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, was attacked by angry mob on July 15, 2024. The happening revealed that terrorism is still a clear and present threat, in the restive regions of Pakistan. it also underscores the importance of counter-terrorism measures like Operation “Azm-e-Istehkam” , which has border regulation and management, as one of its cardinals.
At 4:40 AM, terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the wall of Bannu Cantonment; resulting in a huge explosion. Later, there was shooting at a civilian car, several passengers of which were wounded, including women. Fourteen terrorists attacked Bannu Cantonment; the responsive military operation ended in 24 hours, in which eight soldiers got martyred, whereas ten terrorists, including suicide bombers, were sent to hell. As a sequel to this horrifying episode, the terrorists flee to a two storey building situated close to a civilian shopping area and a bus stop. Local people were immediately told to protect themselves as the situation had escalated and operation could entail heavy exchange of fire.
Soon after the attack was repulsed by Security Forces, certain individuals started to twist facts, using the tragic event to accrue their evil gains. The initial observations of the social networks’ activity showed that the actions of defaming the Pakistani military and its leaders, were initiated from foreign countries including India and others. With the help of the VPNs and operations from abroad, fake accounts released fake news on daily basis, forming falsified trends on Twitter and YouTube.
This wave of fake news contained hatred against the Army besides venomous propaganda that comprised morphed videos and images with the purpose of criticizing people. The campaign was a mean towards direct aggressive political attack with slanderous slogans against the military leadership that obviously angered the families of martyrs and the community at large. The Pakistan Army, while primarily tasked with territorial defence, is widely supported for its sacrifices and unparalleled disaster response efforts, regardless of the criticism viral on social media. All such activities are aimed to create rifts between the institutions and the public. These may also be viewed as part of a global anti-Pakistan conspiracy.
During this sad episode of Bannu, the nation has widely supported Pakistan Army, however some unamiable people attempted to launch defamation campaign on social media, who need to be taken to task. Many advanced countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia have laws that check social media to prevent such vices. Similarly, Pakistan also has laws against cyber-crime and authorities like Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which has the right to ban any website or account having unethical or objectionable contents. Moreover, the National Fire Wall is also being instituted. With these measures in place, considerable control on ghost social media activities could be possible.
Another dimension that needs to be discussed here is that the incident is a prime example of hybrid warfare that uses both online and physical drivers to meet the ends. At present, more than 5500 Afghan Refugees are registered in Bannu, with the unregistered outnumbering them. One of the Bannu blast terrorists, named Kamran alias Usmanullah was also an Afghan citizen of Paktia (Afghanistan). In this regard, the Operation “Azm-e-Istehkam” is likely to play an important role as it signifies the imperative of aggressive actions in the matter of border protection and counter-terrorism.
The occurrence of the attack on Bannu Cantonment and unrest depict the need for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. Its operation is meant to strengthen the security of its borders, fight terrorism and bring stability in the area. More emphasis is to be placed on countering the propaganda activities by which and for which such tragedies are used to influence the population and discredit the institutions of national security. The involvement of political forces points to internal conflict as does the conflict within the social units. Such actions instigated by political rivalry and hatred towards the military will lead to more attacks like the Bannu attack.
Addressing justice for such occasions is cardinal in a bid to avoid future incidences and enhance the security of a country. The Bannu incident, therefore, avails a very sad narrative of terrorists and the importance of counter terrorism strategies. Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is vital in the protection of borders and survival of the people in the country against any other attacks.
Keywords:
– Bannu attack
– Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
– Terrorism
– Border Regulation Operation
– Azm-e-Istehkam
– Pakistan Army
– Social media criticism
– Cyber-crime laws
– Afghan refugees
– Counter-terrorism
