There is a limit to everything, including slander. The way a particular political faction has weaponized social media to degrade public dialogue is unfortunate. Misinformation, ridicule, and propaganda have taken over, replacing any meaningful discussion of national issues. Even more disgraceful is how the country’s martyrs are being mocked and their sacrifices reduced to internet jokes.

Pakistan has long faced such propaganda from external, hostile forces. However, seeing a mirrored campaign originating from within the Pakistani community during the past few weeks is a disturbing development. The memes and animated movie clips that have stormed the internet cannot be considered an innocent political satire. They are aimed either at glorifying an individual or at systematically undermining a state institution and its leadership.

The team has recommended legal action against PTI members and all their aiders and abettors. If evidence holds up, it will be considered a direct attack on national security rather than mere mudslinging

The Joint Investigation Team, formed last year to take action against anti-state rhetoric and hate speech on social media, now claims to have come by evidence linking Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders and supporters to propaganda against the state. The team has recommended legal action against PTI members and all their aiders and abettors. If evidence holds up, it will be considered a direct attack on national security rather than mere mudslinging. The state has every right to take action against individuals involved in such activities, but that action must be based on irrefutable proof. The line between criticism and subversion must be recognized no matter how blurred it is. Any misstep that even hints at political victimization will only make things worse for the authorities.

At the same time, freedom of expression does not mean a free pass to wage an information war, that too against one’s own country. The moves these operatives have made so far are apparently calculated and primarily designed to sow chaos and destroy trust in national institutions. Perpetrators must be identified and taken to task at the earliest because letting this chaos run wild is just as dangerous as silencing genuine dissent. The country needs stability and not digital warfare disguised as activism. The consequences of allowing this to continue will be not just ugly but lasting.