PAKISTAN has not faced terrorism only on battlefields, in border regions or at security checkpoints.
It has seen it enter markets, places of worship, schools, neighbourhoods and homes. Over several decades, thousands of lives have been lost, the economy has suffered, social peace has been shaken and citizens and institutions have made immense sacrifices. Today, however, Pakistan faces a new front. The attacker does not always carry a gun; he carries a mobile phone. The weapon is not explosives, but a false narrative. The battlefield is every screen within public reach. This threat may appear silent and invisible, but its consequences are no less serious than those of traditional violence. This is digital terrorism.
Digital terrorism refers to organized campaigns that use online platforms to spread false information, hateful narratives, character assassination, harassment, incitement and propaganda against individuals or institutions. Almost everyone can now publish a post, record a video, comment or circulate a claim. Used responsibly, this access can promote awareness and dialogue. Used maliciously, it can weaken society’s foundations. Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in this toxic trend. Certain elements, inside the country and abroad, run coordinated campaigns against the state, national institutions, political opponents, journalists, religious scholars, anchors, public figures and people in positions of responsibility. Instead of civil disagreement, they use abuse, fabricated stories, fake videos, clips stripped of context and insulting content to damage dignity, reputation and credibility.
This is not merely bad manners. In many cases, it fuels unrest, extremism and violence. When someone is repeatedly targeted with hateful propaganda and branded a traitor, an unbeliever, an agent or an enemy, vulnerable or extremist individuals may treat those lies as truth. As a result, that person’s life, family, honour and social standing can be placed in danger. Pakistan has already seen cases where false allegations, religious or political hatred and online campaigns have put lives at serious risk, caused deaths and encouraged violence.
The most troubling aspect is the confidence with which many actors operate. Some use real names, but many hide behind fake accounts and false identities. They launch campaigns from Pakistan and abroad, turn outrage into a business and profit through views and influence. Inflammatory content often spreads faster than responsible reporting, while emotional or poorly informed users amplify it. In this way, a marketplace of lies takes shape, influencing social behaviour, political discourse and public opinion. Governments have introduced laws against cybercrime, harassment and hateful content, but the real challenge is enforcement. Laws that exist only on paper do not protect citizens. If offenders act freely, fear of the law disappears. This is why those involved in online defamation, disinformation and hate campaigns often believe they are untouchable. They know cases may be weak, investigations slow, evidence flawed or matters buried under pressure.
One point must be clear: action against digital terrorism does not mean suppressing freedom of expression. Criticism, disagreement, journalism, political debate and questioning government policy are citizen rights. In a democracy, institutions and public figures must be open to scrutiny. But there is a clear difference between legitimate criticism and campaigns built on lies, threats, harassment, character assassination and incitement to violence. A campaign that endangers someone’s life or encourages violence cannot be accepted in any civilized society. Pakistan needs a balanced approach that protects legitimate voices while stopping those who weaponize digital platforms.
The first requirement is transparent and impartial enforcement of cybercrime laws. No law should become a tool for political victimization; it should be applied firmly and fairly against anyone who promotes harassment, hatred or violence. Pakistan must strengthen coordination with social media companies so fake accounts, hate networks and violent content can be addressed quickly. Investigative agencies need digital forensic tools and training so online crimes can be investigated and evidence can stand in court. The judiciary must avoid unnecessary delays and ensure timely decisions.
Digital literacy must also become part of education and public awareness. People need to understand that every video, post, screenshot or viral claim is not necessarily true. The ability to identify fake content, verify sources, share responsibly and disagree respectfully must be taught from an early age. If society itself does not become more aware, the law alone cannot solve this crisis.
Journalists, religious scholars, political leaders, teachers and civil society must help build a culture in which disagreement is not enmity, criticism is not abuse and political or religious affiliation is never used to degrade another human being. A healthy society answers arguments with arguments, not character assassination; it expresses disagreement with dignity, not hatred.
Pakistan has already paid a heavy price for traditional terrorism. If digital terrorism is dismissed as minor or allowed to grow unchecked, its consequences could be long-lasting and destructive. Armed terrorism may be contained through security operations, strategy and national unity. Digital terrorism, however, can reach every home, every mobile phone and every mind. It is not restricted by borders and does not require a conventional battlefield.
To call lies, hatred and character assassination “freedom of expression” is a grave mistake. Freedom of expression strengthens society; digital terrorism divides it. Pakistan must decide whether social media will become a source of awareness, knowledge, dialogue and harmony or be surrendered to hatred and poisoned public discourse. The country’s peace, unity and intellectual future depend on this choice, because the lie that spreads from one screen today can engulf an entire society tomorrow.
—The writer is Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, Usman Law Professional Corporation, based in Canada.
