Winning the Hearts and Minds of Our Youth: How Truth, Education and National Awareness Can Strengthen Trust in Pak Army, Raise the Morale of Our Defenders and Counter Misleading Propaganda

written By Dr. Abdul Ghani Published By:ANI NEWS AGENCY
E. mail: ghanillm@yahoo.com

Every nation survives on the strength of its institutions, the unity of its people and the courage of those who stand ready to defend it. In Pakistan, our armed forces have always carried a very heavy responsibility. From the mountains of the north to the deserts of the south, from the Line of Control to difficult internal-security duties, our soldiers remain on duty so that ordinary citizens can live their daily lives in peace.
For this reason, the Pakistan Army is not merely a military institution for many Pakistanis; it is deeply connected with our national security, our collective sacrifices, and our sense of safety and protection. For us, the Pakistan Army will always remain a red line of trust, respect, and national pride.
But today, we face a new challenge. The battlefield is no longer limited to mountains, borders or weapons. A new battlefield exists on mobile phones, social-media platforms and digital networks. Information travels within seconds. Unfortunately, misinformation, edited videos, unverified claims and emotionally charged propaganda can also travel just as quickly.
Our young generation is the biggest user of these platforms. Therefore, if we want to strengthen the morale of our armed forces, we must first strengthen the knowledge, judgment and national awareness of our youth.
We should not expect young Pakistanis to develop respect through slogans alone. Respect becomes stronger when it is based on knowledge. Our children should be taught the history of Pakistan, the sacrifices made in its defence and the difficult conditions in which soldiers perform their duties.
A soldier standing at a remote post is someone’s son. He may be away from his parents for months. He may celebrate Eid at a border while his children wait for him at home. In the most difficult circumstances, he remains responsible for the security of people whom he may never meet.
These realities should be shared with the younger generation.
Schools and universities can play a major role. Students should be given opportunities to visit military museums, monuments of martyrs and historical places connected with Pakistan’s defence. Retired soldiers, defence experts and families of martyrs can be invited to educational institutions to share their experiences.
A young person who listens directly to the family of a martyr will understand sacrifice more deeply than someone who only sees a few seconds of a social-media video.
Another important step is teaching our youth how to recognize propaganda.
Before sharing any serious allegation, young people should ask a few simple questions: Who has published it? What is the evidence? Is the video complete? Is the information current? Has it been verified by reliable sources?
The best reply to propaganda is not another propaganda campaign. The best reply is truth supported by evidence.
At the same time, we must understand that respect for the Army does not mean that citizens should stop thinking or asking reasonable questions. Strong institutions become stronger when discussion remains responsible and respectful. There is, however, an important difference between constructive criticism and a deliberate campaign of hatred.
A citizen may disagree with a policy or decision, but disagreement should never become abuse against soldiers, martyrs or their families. Political differences should also never be allowed to create permanent divisions between the people and the institutions responsible for national defence.
This lesson is especially important for our youth.
We must also make better use of social media. Instead of only responding when a controversy appears, positive and educational content should be produced regularly. Real stories of soldiers helping people during floods, earthquakes and emergencies should be documented. Stories of martyrs should be preserved. Young officers and soldiers who achieve professional excellence should be introduced to the public.
Facts and real human stories are far more powerful than angry arguments.
We should also teach our children that supporting Pakistan Army does not mean ignoring the responsibility of other citizens. A country becomes strong when every person performs his duty honestly.
The soldier protects the border. The teacher educates the nation. The farmer provides food. The doctor saves lives. The journalist protects truth. The judge protects justice. The student prepares for the future.
Pakistan belongs to all of us.
Those who deliberately spread false information and hatred want to create mistrust inside society. We should never answer them with abuse. We should answer them with education, national unity and responsible communication.
Our young generation should be encouraged to love Pakistan intelligently, not blindly; to respect sacrifice sincerely, not temporarily; and to understand that national institutions belong to the country, not to any single political group.
The greatest strength of Pakistan Army is not only its weapons, training or technology. Its greatest strength is the confidence of the people standing behind it.
If the relationship between our youth and our soldiers remains based on truth, constitutional responsibility, sacrifice and mutual respect, no propaganda campaign will easily break it.
A strong Pakistan needs a strong Army, but a strong Army also needs a united, informed and responsible nation behind it.
Our soldiers guard our borders. Let our younger generation guard the truth, unity and dignity of Pakistan.
That is how nations remain strong.