In the era of 5th Generation Warfare (5GW), the battlefields have shifted from traditional combat zones to the digital realm. The Baloch resistance movement in Pakistan, fighting against mass disappearances, genocide, and exploitation of Balochs, faces a new menace: deepfakes and propaganda campaigns. This insidious strategy aims to malign, weaken, and suppress the voice of the Baloch people.

The Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent leadership body led Dr. Mahrang Baloch, has been a target of these tactics. Deepfakes, manipulated media, and disinformation are used to create anarchy and division within the movement The goal is clear: discredit and fragment the Baloch resistance, paving the way for a tighter grip on the Balochistan region

Deepfakes: Weapon of choice

Deepfakes are sophisticated fabrications that use AI-generated content to manipulate public opinion. In the context of the Baloch movement, deepfakes can be used to:

1. Create fake videos or audio clips of BYC leaders, attributing false statements or actions to them. For instance, during the Long March of BYC to Islamabad, a series of malicious campaigns was launched on X (formerly Twitter) by using deepfakes (both audios and photos) to suppress and weaken the leadership of BYC.

2. Fabricate evidence of infighting or disagreements within the movement.

3. Portray Baloch activists as terrorists or criminals, legitimizing state repression. Sammi Baloch was among the leading figures in BYC against whom a scathing campaign was launched on various social media plateform aimed to protray her as terrorist or separatist.

Propaganda: The companion weapon

Propaganda complements deepfakes in this 5GW strategy. Deepfakes and propaganda disseminates false narratives, labeling the Baloch movement as "terrorist" or "separatist." This rhetoric is amplified through state-controlled media outlets, social media, and paid trolls. Since Balochistan is a balckhole for the mainstream media, the Baloch activists use social media plateform to record their grieviences.

The objective is to demonize the Baloch resistance, creating a false narrative that legitimizes military operations and human rights abuses. This propaganda also aims to divide the Baloch people, creating suspicion and mistrust among various factions.

Similarly, in the wake of 9th May incidents in Pakistan, deepfakes were used to weaken the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI).The 9th May incident in Pakistan refers to the violent clashes between the police and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Imran Khan, on May 9, 2022. On the eve of this incident, deepfakes and propaganda were allegedly used to malign the PTI leadership and create a false narrative. Here are some examples:

1. Fake videos: Deepfake videos were circulated showing PTI leaders allegedly inciting violence and making inflammatory statements.

2. Manipulated audio: Audio clips were spread featuring alleged conversations between PTI leaders, manipulated to suggest they were planning violence.

3. Fabricated news: Fake news articles and social media posts were created, attributing false statements and actions to PTI leaders.

4. Propaganda campaigns: State-controlled media outlets and social media trolls disseminated propaganda, portraying the PTI as a "violent" and "dangerous" party.

5. *Disinformation*: False information was spread about the PTI's plans and intentions, aiming to create fear and justify the subsequent crackdown.

It is essential to note that the use of deepfakes and propaganda is a harmful and undemocratic tactic, aiming to manipulate public opinion and undermine political opponents.

Consequences and Concerns

The deployment of deepfakes and propaganda against the Baloch movement has far-reaching consequences:

1. Erosion of trust: Fabricated content can create divisions and mistrust among Baloch activists, weakening the movement.
2. Legitimization of repression: False narratives can justify military crackdowns, human rights abuses, and enforced disappearances. In the protest, which was conveyed by the family of zaheeer Baloch who was abducted by the Counter Terrorism Department( CTD) from Quetta, many audio messages appeared on the X  which were not issued by the leadership of BYC.
3. Global discreditation: The international community may view the Baloch movement as illegitimate, reducing support and solidarity.

The Baloch resistance movement faces an unprecedented threat in the form of deepfakes and propaganda propelled by 5GW tactics. The strategy aims to destabilize and discredit the movement, paving the way for a tightened grip on the region. It is crucial for the international community to recognize these tactics and support the Baloch people's right to self-determination and freedom from oppression.

The BYC and other Baloch organizations must remain vigilant, utilizing fact-checking and counter-narratives to combat deepfakes and propaganda. The global community must acknowledge the plight of the Baloch people and support their struggle against severe human rights violations, ensuring that the voice of the resistance is not silenced by the shadow of 5GW.

(The writer is a columnist based in Balochistan, Pakistan. Views are personal. He can be reached at nizambaloch149@gmail.com )