ISLAMABAD: General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has cautioned the youth to exercise caution when exploring the digital world, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing the news on it.
The advise came as the army commander spoke to the Pakistan National Youth Conference on Wednesday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
COAS Munir cited a verse from the Holy Quran on information verification, claiming that one of the goals of “propaganda” on social media was to “spread negativity and chaos” in society.
“Without research and positive thinking, a society remains chaotic,” he went on to say.
The COAS expressed his pleasure at meeting the young people who will shape the country’s future.
He stated that the youth are the protectors of the country’s brilliant traditions and encouraged them to have faith in the country, its culture, civilization, and themselves.
He also urged the youth to believe in their wonderful hometown and nation.
Army Chief Gen Munir reiterated the army’s capabilities to battle terrorists while emphasizing the importance of national cooperation in the war on militancy.
“Our armed forces are always ready to counter any kind of threat or conspiracy,” the COAS stated, emphasizing that the country would never sacrifice its sovereignty.
He also commended the country’s abundance of mineral resources, agriculture, and a growing population of young people.
In December last year, General Munir cautioned the nation of the “rumours” and “negative impressions” being spread about Pakistan.
“Social media is being exploited to foster an atmosphere of confusion, despair, and panic. “Fake news creates the impression that the state is losing its [writ],” the army commander stated in his address to the National Farmers Convention in Islamabad, harshly criticizing anti-Pakistan groups.
He claimed that social media is full of fake charges against Pakistan.
