DND Report
The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the publication of derogatory content and inflammatory statements targeting the martyrs and the Pakistan Army on social networking platforms.
The Cabinet paid tribute to the men in uniform and martyrs who traded their lives for the peace and security of the nation.
This decision comes at a time when a systematic hate campaign against the Pakistan Army has been launched again by terrorist organizations in possible collaboration with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who has always shows soft corner for terrorist’s outfits and even resettled terrorists in Pakistan who came from Afghanistan with NATO grade weapons when PTI was in federal government.
Disturbingly, this campaign is virtually being led by PTI’s leadership, particularly the sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan, who is in jail after his conviction in multiple corruption cases.
Terror outfits such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade have intensified their propaganda war against Pakistan’s armed forces through social media platforms and government looks helpless to control social media platforms although it claimed that it had launched safety walls to curb material against state institutions. Outrageously, their anti-state rhetoric is echoed in the statements attributed to PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan, which are conveyed to the public through his sisters. These family members, who have almost daily access to him in jail, routinely hold press talks outside Adiala Jail to share his views, which mostly align with narratives being propagated by terrorist groups.
The growing overlap between PTI’s messaging and terrorist propaganda has raised serious concerns about the state’s handling of individuals such as Aleema Khan, who openly maligns national institutions during her frequent media appearances. Critics argue that such individuals are being given undue leniency despite persistently undermining Pakistan’s security apparatus.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while chairing the Cabinet meeting on September 10, 2025, directed authorities to take strict action to curb such “evil elements.” He stressed that discouraging and countering this malicious campaign is a collective national responsibility. The Prime Minister reiterated that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs can never be forgotten, stating:
“The entire nation, including myself, stands proud of the courage and sacrifice of our martyrs and their families.”
The Cabinet also offered prayers for Major Adnan Aslam Shaheed, who laid down his life during the Bannu operation, and resolved to honor the sacrifices of all those who have defended Pakistan’s sovereignty.
For months, responsible sections of the media have been highlighting how Imran Khan’s messages increasingly target the Pakistan Army, thereby strengthening the narratives of hostile forces. Observers note the contradiction in Khan’s stance: when he enjoyed cordial relations with the military, he frequently referred to the Army Chief as his “protector” and even likened him to a father figure. Today, from the same position, he appears to be reinforcing enemy propaganda by vilifying the institution.
Particularly alarming is Imran Khan’s narrative discouraging Pakistan from responding to terror attacks originating from Afghan soil, under the guise of “brotherhood” between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This rhetoric dangerously ignores the reality that Afghan-based militants, including the TTP, have repeatedly targeted Pakistan, shedding the blood of innocent civilians and security personnel. Brotherhood cannot serve as a justification for providing cover to enemies of the state.
There is little doubt left that by creating confusion over counter-terror operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—particularly in Bajaur, where Afghan terrorists and the TTP have long targeted innocent people—Imran Khan is attempting to undermine Pakistan’s national security. His suggestion that dialogue should be held with terrorists directly plays into the hands of those seeking to destabilize the country.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa know that the fight against terrorism is not about political point-scoring or vote banks, but about their very survival. At this critical juncture, Pakistan needs unity and resolve to combat terrorism, especially threats emanating from Afghan soil. Yet, instead of supporting national efforts, Imran Khan continues to create doubts and divisions, weakening the collective resolve against terrorists.
Independent political observers are of the view that condemnation is not enough because government cannot run the state by condemning who live inside Pakistan but always abuse national institutions. Aleema Khan in past also had been creating doubts about May 9 vandalism, accusing state institutions to stage the events on this black day of history of Pakistan. There is no doubt that courts have announced convictions in several cases related to May 9 vandalism and several PTI leaders are now facing 10 years or less imprisonment in May 9 related cases. However, the originator Imran Khan and his family who creates doubts against state institutions are still untouched.
