The recent Indo-Pak conflict underscored this reality, as Pakistan faced multifaceted threats—not only on the battlefield but also in the realm of information warfare. While the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and JCOS Gen Shamshad Mirza, valiantly defended the nation’s borders, an unexpected force rose to the forefront in the digital arena: Pakistan’s youth. Ironically, these were the very individuals previously labeled as "digital terrorists" and "anti-state actors" by the state machinery. Their relentless defense of Pakistan’s narrative against India’s propaganda machine exposed the fallacy of the government’s censorship policies, particularly the arbitrary blocking of X (formerly Twitter) under the guise of "national security."
The Irony of Censorship
This turn of events exposed a stark contradiction. While government ministers — notably Defence Minister Khawaja Asif — fumbled on international media, sometimes making remarks that undermined national interests, it was the same vilified youth who held the digital line. In one damaging interview, Khwaja Asif openly admitted that “Pakistan had done the dirty work for America for three decades,” a statement which an Indian analyst aptly described as “more destructive than India’s missile strike.” It is telling that those once accused of being agents of chaos became the most effective defenders of the nation’s integrity and propagators of it’s positive image. While Form-47 political beneficiaries were adamant, in many instances, to prove themselves to be egregious liabilities.
The fall of Indian media circus
India’s strategy relied heavily on dominating the narrative — using media theatrics, manipulated footage, and falsified “victory” claims to influence both domestic and international audiences. Yet, it was Pakistan’s decentralized but determined digital community that effectively countered these claims. As the total blockade of X was lifted, real-time footage, verified reports, and evidence-based rebuttals began to surface, revealing the disconnect between India’s media portrayal and the ground reality. Indian media’s hyperbolic coverage became a subject of international ridicule, weakening its credibility.
Guardians of the Cyber Frontier
This diverse group of social media users, previously demonized and dismissed by the state as "anti-national" or “forwarded-as-received” zealots, emerged as a vital cyber shield. They took it upon themselves to counter hostile propaganda, dismantle disinformation, and defend Pakistan’s narrative on global platforms.
Ironically, these same voices had been suppressed through sweeping censorship, including the prolonged blockade of Twitter (now X), under the elusive guise of "national security." But it appears to be the case now that this ban was not about security, but about silencing dissent. Absent the latter, our oh so fragile national security now seems to be resting easy and unthreatened.
Those who referred to Pakistan’s Cyber Force as Anti-state questioning their very Patriotism, Stand Corrected.
For years, Pakistan’s youth have faced severe restrictions on free expression. Social media platforms, particularly X, were frequently blocked under the pretext of curbing "misinformation" and "anti-state rhetoric." The establishment viewed these digital voices with suspicion, often cracking down on dissent rather than engaging with legitimate grievances.
Yet, when the nation faced an existential threat, these very "anti-state" elements transformed into Pakistan’s most effective cyber warriors. They debunked Indian propaganda, exposed fabricated videos, and countered malicious narratives with factual, evidence-based responses. Their efforts were so impactful that even DG ISPR publicly acknowledged their role, stating: "We are especially indebted to the youth of Pakistan who became the cyber warriors against Indian propaganda."
A Call for Strategic Realignment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chilling remark, “Operation Sindoor will continue,” is a reminder that threats from the East remain constant. But fighting a prolonged hybrid war requires more than military might. It demands intellectual clarity, emotional intelligence, and a united front — political, military, and civil.
It’s time for the state to revisit its assumptions. Those who were once labeled as traitors have proven their loyalty, not through words, but through action. The digital battlefield has new heroes — the youth of Pakistan — and they deserve not just recognition but respect, inclusion, and trust.
As we brace for future challenges, let this be the turning point where the state stops fearing its own people and starts standing with them.
Conclusion: A lesson for the state : Trust your youth
The digital frontlines have proven that patriotism is not the monopoly of any institution or political party. Pakistan’s youth, despite being marginalized, rose to the occasion when it mattered the most. The events of the past weeks serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s policymakers. The same youth vilified as "disruptive forces" have demonstrated unparalleled patriotism and strategic value in defending the nation. Instead of silencing them, the state must recognize their potential as stakeholders in Pakistan’s future.
In addition, the state must abandon the outdated approach of suppressing dissent under the pretext of security. Instead, it should engage, empower, and include these voices in the national dialogue.
To win future wars — whether on the battlefield, in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or online — national synergy is essential. And synergy cannot exist where trust is absent. Trust is built not through censorship, but through inclusion. Hence, it is of paramount importance that there must be complete synchronization of efforts at every national, political and social level. However, this synergy i.e., pursuit of collective national objective, won’t be attainable until and unless the aspirations and sentiments of the youth, and the populace in general, are paid heed too.
The author is an agriculturalist and educationist.
