The Huffington Post in it January 18 article “The simple step India can take to make Pakistan Army change its ways” suggests intriguing projection through media – both print and electronic. The articles attempts to negatively highlight that the Pakistan army uses the India threat to maintain its supremacy in politics and economy; it does not allow normalisation of relations with India; it sees Afghanistan as its playground; it is afraid of adverse public opinion; it seems active only because of its effective PR as the phrase of the year 2015 was ‘Thank you Raheel Sharif’; that India should work on the Pakistani public opinion, and if it unilaterally opens up visa regime to ordinary Pakistanis and they return singing praises of India, who will it benefit? The Indian ‘cultural invasion’ campaign has already made inroads in the Pakistani society which is silently causing a dent to its values and culture. Through entertainment channels, movies, children videos, games and reading material, our language, food and change in thinking is taking place. It is so gradual and acceptable that we as a nation are not aware of what is actually happening. India and the inner enemies are taking full opportunity to view the “Two-Nation Theory” as necessary for the time in the past and not valid today.
The strong bond between the people and army removes all fears of being vulnerable to any propaganda to the extent to harm the country. India is afraid of this cohesiveness, strong and sincere public opinion. Therefore, it is making efforts to mould the opinion of some individuals against army to achieve its objectives. For this purpose it may work on more people to people contacts and collaboration. It means India also keeps a track on Pakistan Army’s PR activities. The reference is clearly towards ISPR. It means a lot that the efforts of ISPR are positive and are bearing fruit in maintaining a good civil-military relationship. It also suggests that the enemy is aware of the active role of ISPR and now is going to focus on it to malign its image as well in future. The process of Indian propaganda is going to be slow and not very obvious; therefore, it would require continuous check.
The government as well as ISPR is advised to monitor such propaganda messages and develop its own strategy to counter it. For this purpose civil society, political parties, intelligentsia, columnists, media and diplomats may be asked to join hands together and come out with effective response in a befitting manner.
FAUZIA SALEEM NIAZI
Islamabad