The recent violent mob incident in Gwadar is the exposition of the increased threats that false information and group violence in the name of political or social causes present. An attack was launched by a group that called itself Baloch Raji Mochi that ended the lives of thirty-year-old soldier Shabbir Baloch and sixteen others inclusive of an officer injured. This speaks volumes not only about the vulnerability of the security force on any given day but also paints a picture of the effect of misinformation and mob violence on the social fibre of Pakistan.

Facebook and Twitter and applications of such nature have been vital in how people communicate and perhaps organize themselves but are very lethal when used by anti-social people. In the case of Gwadar, such factors as misinformation and support of the illegal and violent march by the so-called Baloch Raji Mochi were actively spread on social media. This negative propaganda is not only wrong but also dangerous to the security, economy, and society of a nation.

Organizing the actions in the social network so that the population will use violence and the creation of disorder as ways of expression, is something that cannot be allowed. Thus, politicians were always exposed to negative comments and threats on their accounts, but the targeting of the highest-ranking judicial authorities and the Pakistan Army is significant. Deeds like these are not only regrettable but also destructive to the stability of the country’s security and existence. It promotes an atmosphere of hatred that deprives all the efforts of those who strive for the emergence of a society that prevails in the prevalence of law and non-conflict.

In the case of Gwadar, such factors as misinformation and support of the illegal and violent march by the so-called Baloch Raji Mochi were actively spread on social media.

The reported act of violence in Gwadar in which a hostel was set on fire and some individuals were killed is an outright revolt against the state’s power and legal requirements. Such actions are tame and cannot be tolerated because they are the precursor to the disturbed order in a country. The death of an officer like Shabbir Baloch is a great loss, the wounding of sixteen other youths among which there was an officer, is a symbol of the struggles the security forces go through to safeguard the nation.

At the same time, the security forces themselves refrained from excessive force based on the destruction of the enemy, to minimize the potential loss of life among the civilian population. This restraint shows the professionalism and commitment of armed forces to their job irrespective of the escalating jeopardy level. The launch of a campaign to ensure that citizens do not resort to violence to adhere to the rule of law with the police force is an equally significant stage in ensuring law and order within the society since division weakens the efforts to fight certain criminal acts.

Addressing such challenges in the meantime, as a way of building a resilient society is going to require an integration of several strategies of community psychological intervention. A major step is to inform, and educate the population and reduce the presence and influence of negative messages spread through social networks. People must be provided with the means to distinguish reality from myth and comprehend the significance of an individual’s involvement or endorsement of violence.

In addition, the legal measures should be enhanced to fight the circulation of fake news and incitement to violence. This involves not only physically violent people but also those who spread violent messages on social media. The issue of accountability is critical in the avoidance of future occurrences and in guaranteeing lawfulness.

Similarly, civil society and the media should assist in the prevention of negative propaganda and the formation of mobs. This way, they can contribute towards reducing adversative information that inclines the population to disruptiveness. Professional and engaged press and an informed and engaged public – these concepts are the cornerstones of society based on the principles of peace and tolerance and focusing on cooperation.

The issue of accountability is critical in the avoidance of future occurrences and in guaranteeing lawfulness.

The meaningful discussion between and among various social and political entities would reduce tendencies of having the respective grievances within the societies be exploited by politically motivated personalities with a view of depicting the society as violent. Promoting healthy debates for matters of public interest helps society understand different perspectives and will hardly find a need to resort to violence.

It is very disturbing that even such a simple matter as peaceful protest could lead to violent confrontation and brutal actions of a mob in Gwadar a prime example of Pakistan’s struggle to provide safety and stability. The two forms of activities that should be combated actively and immediately are negative propaganda as well as violence by mobs. Lives have been lost and those who are valiant in the protection of their country have been injured which should be a call to the nation to come together and be vigilant.

By solving the causes of misperception and violence, improving the legislation in this sphere, and educating people, Pakistan can develop a strong society that will not yield to such threats. Security can only be achieved when armed forces and law enforcement agencies act in unison with the civil society and the media whereby act as a watchdog over the government to ensure peace is maintained. The lives of the people sacrificed in the course of work must not have been in vain; they help remind society of the continued fight against the delinquent individuals in society who are bent on denting the image of the country.