The article under review “ Fifth Generation Warfare and its Challenges to Pakistan “ was written by Muhammad Ashraf Nadeem, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa and Dr. Allauddin Kakar and was published in Pakistan Journal of International Affairs. This articles discusses the ushering of the new era of warfare, the hybrid warfare and its implications for Pakistan.
Pakistan holds great significance among the world powers not just because of its geo-strategic location or because of its nuclear capabilities but also due to its close ties with China. India, being partners with Israel and the USA, is trying to portray a false image of Pakistan before the world of Pakistan being a haven of militants and an unsafe country. In 2019, evidence showcasing Indian-sponsored fake think tanks and NGOs of fake news outlets supplying false news to the UN and EU was found. Ever since Pakistan became a nuclear power, a constant threat has been looming over its head. The US and the West have been on high alert and have played a pivotal role in launching propaganda campaigns against Pakistan. Moreover, following the 9/11 incident, the international media and the EU have been trying their best to dismantle Pakistan’s nuclear program through biased and negative criticism. Knowing Pakistan Army is the most prestigious and dedicated institute of Pakistan, the anti-Pakistan elements have always blamed Pakistan Army, or ISI, for any hostile activity occurring in the region, but Pakistan Army has been countering these misperceptions really well, actively eliminating all the malignant substances through successful operations in Balochistan, FATA, and KP regions. The Indian intelligence agency RAW has been relentless in conspiring against Pakistan, not to mention the 1971 Mukti Bahini plot that resulted in the partition of the east wing of Pakistan. Kulbushan Yadev is living evidence of all the nefarious acts of India. Even the whole FATF scenario is just part of the bigger game, of which India has taken huge advantage in order to undermine Pakistan. The world powers have always been interested in Balochistan because of its geo-strategic position, which makes it more susceptible and vulnerable to foreign interference. Balochistan is subjected to hybrid warfare on a massive scale through inciting the Baloch community to rise up against their very homeland, backed by India, Afghanistan, Israel, the USA, and the like.
The article has very deeply dealt with every aspect of the fifth-generation warfare tactics that the adversaries are using against Pakistan. There are a few points that haven’t been mentioned, given that the situation has changed drastically over the span of two years. Keeping in view the current political situation and the earlier turmoil, Pakistan is more vulnerable than ever, and our enemies have taken huge advantage of it. Pakistan’s already distorted picture has worsened more given the blatant political injustices seen throughout these two years, not to mention the elections in 2024.
The international media has taken notice of it, and the whole world is now aware of our shortcomings. Even the image of the Armed Forces has been tarnished. Pakistan now needs more than ever to restore its standing in the international community.
The writer is a student of “Government Public Policy” at “National Defense University” and a member of PYDIR.