AAC Linked Indian Accounts Spread Anti-Pakistan Views

Indian Backed AAC Linked Accounts Spread Anti Army, Anti Pakistan Narratives

Research has shown that there are some social media accounts which are expanding anti-military and anti-state narratives. They are 16 such accounts and are reportedly linked to the Awami Action Committee (AAC). Their conduct reflects the same tactics seen in influence campaigns in the region: shaking public trust, pushing people towards confrontation, and diverting attention from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The narrative of the propaganda

The pattern is the same. Pakistan is constantly portrayed as a “brutal state” to make it appear that peaceful means are failing. As a result, people are assured that the use of force in the streets is the only solution. This message is repeated to create common sense. The out of context clips and dramatic captions enable the content to spread quickly, although time and language often reveal this coherence.

Army is the target

The main point of attack is the military. It is because every complaint is sought to be framed as if the military is the root cause of the whole problem. The purpose is not to reform, but to break trust. Thus, if the public starts to doubt a fundamental institution, everything from crisis response to day to day security becomes harder. That serves to those who want to see Pakistan divided and engaged.

The advantage of New Delhi’s strategy is clear that international attention is diverted from the violations of IIOJK’s rights through internal upheavals. This, alongside the widespread polarization in Pakistan, affects decision making and scares the investors.

Besides, if the anti military narrative becomes the norm, India will get a chance to present Kashmir and other important issues of the region as well. It is a manifestation of proxy strategy. In this type of strategy, the objectives are advanced without any direct intervention.

Legitimate protests and external influences

This does not mean that people’s problems do not exist. Pakistanis are always debating, organizing and demanding improvements, and that’s normal in a vibrant democracy. But then comes the difference. It is when external factors present a conflict as the only solution. As a result, ordinary families are affected, shops are closed, the university schedule is affected, and small businesses suffer, while provocateurs log off and move on.

Also Read: How the September 2023 JAAC Meeting Shaped the Playbook?

Strategic measures

The better strategy is to prioritize seemingly boring, but effective measures and to keep the Path clear for address the legitimate demands of the protests.

Channels for peaceful dialogue should be remain open and responsive. Additionally, ways to register complaints and see results should be simple and accessible.

It is necessary to continue to highlight and further expand the ongoing development work in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Roads and electricity which were lacking there are now available. It is important to modernize schools and hospitals, not symbolically only, but in real terms. Also, the need is to connect the region to national projects, so that people feel the direct benefits. If basic facilities are available, tourism, trade and small industries can boost employment.

The military is the backbone of the state, and its primary function is national security and public safety, not political opposition. The Army has borne extraordinary burdens in difficult years.

Healthy testing is important, but blind contempt reinforces someone else’s policy. There is a significant difference between “improve here” and “you are the enemy.”

The politics of Kashmir

Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue is that it is committed to a solution based on peace, dialogue and rule of law. Besides, India’s hardline policy and denial of fundamental freedoms in IIOJK did not happen overnight, but this is the root of the crisis. When propaganda tries to reverse this reality, it is everyone’s responsibility to return the matter to reality.

The media should give a simple and honest message. The message should be in this sense that development comes from constructive engagement, and not vandalism. The army is not a political opponent, but the foundation of the state.

Pakistan’s record is not perfect, but the direction is right. Investment in Azad Jammu and Kashmir infrastructure, education and health, inclusion of the region in national projects, and employment growth through trade, industry and tourism are manifestations of it.

The promised financial benefits and services should be available there, so that trust is restored and troll campaigns fail.

How to deal with the Menace of Misinformation

Effective methods for countering disinformation include visible and immediate government services and transparency. Repairing of old roads, deployment of real doctors in clinics, and making permits predictable can give practical results to the public. When the government fulfils its promises, the provocative narrative loses its ground. It is a reality.

When coordinated propaganda tries to shatter the trust in national institutions, it should be exposed. But at the same time, the real energy should be focused on justice, peace and daily progress and uplift of Kashmiris. Thus, unity is maintained without any dissent. External agendas will also not be able to write Pakistan’s story.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.