A senior lawmaker has raised serious concerns over what he described as a growing shift in militant activity from physical insurgency to coordinated digital influence operations, warning that social media platforms and encrypted communication tools are increasingly being used to shape narratives and influence young minds in Balochistan.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Member of the National Assembly Jamal Raisani said that what was once confined to mountainous terrain and armed confrontation has now increasingly moved into the digital space, where propaganda, psychological influence, and online networks are being used as tools of what he described as a “silent but dangerous form of warfare.”
He stated that according to intelligence assessments, the operational structure of terrorism has now significantly shifted into the digital domain, where online platforms are being utilized to create distance between communities and state institutions while influencing public perception through coordinated messaging.
The lawmaker said that militants and associated networks are increasingly relying on encrypted mobile applications and online platforms to coordinate communication and disseminate content. He noted that tools such as Signal, Delta Chat, Telegram, and other similar applications are being used due to their encryption features and difficulty in monitoring.
According to him, some of these platforms allow disappearing messages and decentralized communication structures, making it challenging for security agencies to track activities in real time.
He added that the use of such technologies reflects a broader shift in tactics, where digital communication is being used alongside traditional methods of destabilization.
During the press briefing, Jamal Raisani referred to individuals allegedly linked to proscribed organizations, including a senior figure identified as Bashir Zeb, for whom authorities have previously announced a substantial reward.
He described the individual as highly educated with a background in student politics, suggesting that such profiles are increasingly being utilized in modern forms of psychological and narrative-based influence operations.
The lawmaker also referenced recent security operations in Karachi, where Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials reportedly recovered a large quantity of explosives, indicating the presence of broader interconnected networks operating across urban centers.
He further identified a network associate named Junaid as a key facilitator responsible for establishing contacts and operational linkages in urban environments. These claims could not be independently verified.
The press conference also highlighted growing concern over the alleged use of universities, social media platforms, and online content to influence young individuals.
According to the lawmaker, digital narratives, emotionally charged videos, and coordinated online trends are increasingly being used to shape perceptions and attract youth toward extremist ideologies.
He warned that modern militant strategies now extend beyond physical violence, focusing instead on psychological influence and digital engagement designed to alter attitudes and perceptions among younger demographics.
Jamal Raisani emphasized that peaceful political expression, constitutional rights, and civic participation remain fundamental rights of every citizen, and that the state bears responsibility for protecting human rights and democratic freedoms.
However, he stressed that any platform or network found to be involved in promoting violence, hate speech, or extremist propaganda would face legal action under applicable laws.
He clarified that the purpose of the briefing was not to spread fear but to raise awareness about evolving security challenges and to protect young people from becoming instruments of external or hostile agendas.
The remarks come amid growing global concerns over the role of digital platforms in facilitating propaganda, recruitment, and coordination by non-state actors. Security observers note that online ecosystems are increasingly being exploited in asymmetric conflicts, where information and narrative control play a central role alongside conventional security threats.
Authorities have continued to emphasize monitoring of digital channels while balancing concerns over privacy, civil liberties, and freedom of expression.
The evolving nature of this threat underscores the need for coordinated responses involving law enforcement, policymakers, technology platforms, and civil society to address the challenges of digital radicalization while safeguarding open digital spaces.
