IN the modern age, warfare has evolved far beyond physical confrontations.

Fifth generation warfare represents a paradigm shift where the battleground is nolongerjustthe land,air orsea;it is the human mind. It is characterised by the use of misinformation, psychological manipulation, fake news and propaganda to destabilise societies, influence public opinion, and achieve strategic objectives without traditional military engagement.

Modern warfare is covert, non-kinetic and often invisible, using tools, such as social media, artificial intelligence (AI), deepfakes, cyber warfare, and manipulated narratives. Its targets are not just enemy soldiers, but entire populations, especially their perceptions, beliefs and trust in institutions.

A clear example is the use of social media platforms to spread disinformation during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India. The Indian media came up with all sorts of fake news as a strategic tool to manipulate the perception of the masses. It is a warfare in which the truth is an early casualty, and perception is weaponised.

Nation-states, non-state actors and even corporations engage in psychological and cognitive warfare, making cyber literacy, critical thinking, and media awareness essential for national security.

The essence of fifth generation warfare lies in controlling narratives, manipulating truths, and blurring the lines between reality and illusion. It is a war where the most powerful weapons are not guns or missiles, but words, images and ideas.

Hence, societies must remain vigilant, invest in cyber security, and promote digital literacy to defend themselves against this invisible but potent warfare.

Sanaullah Mirani Daharki