Pakistan government ad warns of 'information warfare' but draws criticism from civil society

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 3 October 2025 | JP Staff Report

The Pakistan government issued an ad warning against information warfare, which has sparked backlash from civil society and rights groups. Critics argue the ad stigmatizes NGOs and journalists, undermining press freedom.
Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting this week ran a striking half-page advertisement in several national newspapers, warning citizens about the dangers of “modern-day warfare” being fought through information rather than traditional weapons.

The ad, issued on October 1 and 2, carried the headline: “Have you ever wondered what war looks like today?” and highlighted the growing threat of disinformation, surveillance, and manipulation through digital platforms.

The text of the ad stated:

"Today, war is no longer fought on the battlefield, it is fought in our minds. The enemy's bullets are no longer gunpowder... it's information. And the target is all of us. Anti-state forces have reached to our very doorsteps. The enemy is hiding behind the veil of technology and the internet. He looks for weak moments, unemployed youth, and needy families. Then he lays dreams before them, a good job, quick wealth, foreign travel. Sometimes disguised as a reporter, sometimes as an NGO worker or a freelancer, he extracts sensitive information out of them that bring unrest, fear, and chaos to our streets. They make us stand against our own soil. Whoever accesses your information, reaches your very essence. He puts your pictures, your identity, and your phone, everything at risk."

The message went on to advise citizens:

“Never share any sensitive information with a stranger.”

“If you receive a suspicious call, message or notice a suspicious object, report it immediately.”

“Keep sensitive information strictly to your organization only.”

Concluding with a warning, the ad declared: “Because every word, every click, every image is either safety or threat. The choice is in your hands.”

While the Ministry presented the ad as a public awareness campaign against information warfare, it has drawn sharp criticism from journalists, rights groups, and civil society organizations.

According to reports in Dawn and the Freedom Network, groups such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Women’s Action Forum (WAF) condemned the campaign, saying it stigmatizes NGOs, media professionals, and freelancers by portraying them as possible agents of “anti-state forces.” Critics argue that this framing undermines press freedom and risks justifying harassment of independent voices.

The HRCP in its statement urged the government to “end smear campaigns against media and civil society” and instead focus on ensuring transparency, accountability, and constructive dialogue. Freedom Network also warned that such messaging could escalate threats against journalists already working under precarious conditions.

The Ministry has not yet issued a detailed response to the criticism, but officials have previously described information warfare as a “serious threat” requiring vigilance from all citizens.

This ad comes amid a wider crackdown on dissent and heightened debates around disinformation, cyber laws, and digital rights in Pakistan.

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