Distinguishing Propaganda from Reality – OpEd – Eurasia Review

In a concerning development for regional security, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have deteriorated further as recent attempts to establish a mutually agreeable security framework collapsed. Following this diplomatic setback, Afghan web-based outlet Al-Mirsaad has intensified its criticism of Pakistan, reverting to a familiar pattern of accusatory rhetoric rather than constructive dialogue on shared security challenges.

Security analysts note this response represents a predictable yet counterproductive approach to the complex counterterrorism landscape facing both nations. Rather than addressing fundamental security issues, Al-Mirsaad appears focused on promoting narratives that simplify regional militancy while assigning blame to Pakistan.

United Nations reports consistently confirm that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) maintains its operational core within Afghanistan’s borders. This assessment is supported by independent monitoring, field reporting, and intelligence corroboration from multiple international stakeholders. Despite this evidence, Al-Mirsaad continues to promote alternative narratives that attempt to shift responsibility away from Afghanistan and toward Pakistan.

The timing of this media campaign is particularly problematic given the current threat landscape. ISKP and affiliated groups like FAK operating within Afghanistan have repeatedly demonstrated both the intent and capability to target Pakistan, undermining its internal security and complicating counterterrorism efforts. Security experts emphasize that denying these realities diverts attention from the urgent need for coordinated action against militant groups exploiting ungoverned or loosely controlled territories.

Al-Mirsaad’s messaging appears designed to undermine Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operations and ISKP presence in Afghanistan. These concerns are not merely rhetorical but grounded in operational experience, casualty figures, and documented cross-border incidents. When such issues are raised, propaganda outlets often respond by externalizing the narrative, recasting legitimate security discussions as attacks on Pakistan.

This rhetoric stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s internationally recognized counterterrorism record. The United States and other global partners have acknowledged Pakistan’s consistency and effectiveness in combating terrorist networks, resulting in disrupted networks, undermined power structures, and reduced operational space for transnational militants. Despite suffering enormous human and economic costs, Pakistan has maintained its position as a valuable counterterrorism ally.

External assessments from the United Nations and European Union have repeatedly documented Pakistan’s operational successes and the significant national resources it has devoted to regional security. The credibility of these assessments stems from their external, methodologically sound nature, free from domestic political influence. Against this backdrop, attempts to rewrite this narrative through social media campaigns appear disingenuous.

Russia has also expressed concern about ISKP entrenchment in Afghanistan, warning that such safe havens threaten regional stability and could enable attacks beyond Afghanistan’s borders. This reinforces the reality that militancy cannot be contained within artificial geographical boundaries. Portraying Pakistan as the central problem fails to acknowledge the transnational nature of the threat and the international consensus regarding the dangers posed by uncontested militant havens.

Security experts point out that Al-Mirsaad’s attempts to undermine Pakistan reveal the weakness of their arguments rather than any deficiency in Pakistan’s counterterrorism policy. By emphasizing rhetoric over evidence, the outlet widens the very credibility gap it purports to address.

Regional stability cannot be achieved through information campaigns that assign blame or politicize security issues. It requires honest acknowledgment of uncomfortable truths. Pakistan has consistently emphasized joint responsibility and collaboration rather than individual culpability.

The situation is further complicated by Al-Mirsaad’s limited credibility within Pakistan’s defense and security discourse, despite its confident pronouncements on military budgeting and strategies. More troublingly, observers note the outlet often echoes narratives similar to those promoted by UN-prohibited terrorist groups, raising serious questions about its motivations and credibility.

As regional tensions escalate, security analysts warn that propaganda-driven approaches serve only to undermine the cooperation needed to address shared threats at a time when the region can least afford such division.