TECHNOLOGY brings advancement but also introduces new challenges and threats. Pakistan faces the risk of an all-encompassing conflict characterized by both physical and digital threats. According to David Axe, US Army Major Shannon Beebe describes the fifth-generation war as “a vortex of violence, a free-for-all of surprise destruction motivated more by frustration than by any coherent plans for the future.” Pakistan, in particular, is vulnerable to this evolving form of warfare, which employs observation, disinformation, propaganda, cyber attacks and fake news as its primary tools.
Cyber attacks represent the most lethal aspect of this new threat. Pakistan has experienced several significant breaches. In 2021, hackers accessed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stealing personal data valued at $30,000, which was later traded on Russian websites. Earlier, in 2020, K-Electric suffered a cyber attack where crucial citizen data, including CNICs, bank details and tax information, was stolen and threatened to be sold on the dark web unless a $7 million ransom was paid. Similarly, Patari, an online music platform, was hacked in 2021, compromising the personal information of 275,000 users, which was subsequently sold on hacker forums. In 2024, Islamabad Safe City Authority faced a security breach, exposing significant flaws in their digital infrastructure. These attacks underscore the vulnerability of Pakistan’s cybersecurity defences and the urgent need to secure digital boundaries. Cyber threats, if left unchecked, could destabilize the country and undermine its national security. For instance, K-Electric’s data destruction in 2021 highlighted the severity of the cyber threat and its potential to paralyze critical operations.
Moreover, fake news, misinformation and propaganda further exacerbate national security issues. Digital media platforms in Pakistan are rife with misleading information that impairs the intellectual abilities of youth and fosters political biases. This environment makes it difficult to discern truth from falsehood, contributing to the chaos of 5th Generation Warfare (5GW). The challenge is compounded by India’s engagement in 5GW tactics. Reports, such as Al-Jazeera’s coverage of the “Indian Chronicles” by EU DisinfoLab, reveal that India has been actively promoting anti-Pakistan narratives through a network of over 500 fake media outlets across 116 countries. This campaign of misinformation and ethnic conflict has placed Pakistan on the brink of further conflict.
To combat 5GW, Pakistan must focus on several key strategies. It is crucial to reform cybersecurity laws and enhance digital infrastructure resilience. Given that 79% of Pakistan’s population is under 40, proper education and training can transform this demographic into effective defenders against digital threats. Additionally, proactive measures and international collaborations are essential to bolster cybersecurity defences. By prioritizing 5GW and adopting a comprehensive approach, Pakistan can safeguard its communication infrastructure and maintain its sovereignty amidst evolving digital threats.
