Hybrid Warfare

Hybrid warfare is a term that identifies the usage of multifaceted techniques by states and non-state actors so to attain certain strategic objectives against a country.

The term 'hybrid warfare' though seems new but in reality and in its operation is not an ark one. Many people do tend to comprehend hybrid and 5th generation warfare one or the same thing, however; a basic distinction do exists between the two. The 5th generation warfare is specifically used to identify the media warfare especially the propaganda that is propagated through social media. However, on the other hand, hybrid warfare is the combination of all these things. It implies not only the usage of media; print, electronic and social but also implies and involves violent activities like trans-national terrorism, use of unmannned vehicles and threats of wars by other states. 

Pakistan has tasted the bitterness of this warfare for the first time in 1971. The New Delhi’s promotion of Mujib’s six points, encompassing the narrative of genocide against Bengalis, training of Mukti Bahini and the direct involvement of Indian and Soviet governments that paved the way for the dismemberment of East Pakistan has been the outcome of the same hybrid war.

Besides, in the contemporary world, the crisis of Ukraine is the perfect example to understand the instruments of this hybrid warfare. The blatant narrative building, unending cyber-attacks and the support of anonymous-separatist militia by Russia against the Ukrainian government is true vindication that how much sophisticated and dangerous this hybrid warfare is!

But as of now, Pakistan too is being faced by an unending turmoil of this hybrid warfare. The inception of various movements in the mainland’s of Baluchistan and ex-FATA has been a manifestation of this hybrid warfare which tends to forestall the progress of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Therefore, it is necessary that due consideration should be given to the National Action Plan and new rules of engagement should be developed so to monitor the media in a more appropriate way. Moreover, stringent action against the terrorist organization and radical groups in terms of the financial domain should be carried out in full vigor so to deter not the hybrid warfare but also to prevent the embarrassment of FATF’s grey-list.