Pakistan Intelligence Agency Accused of Recruiting International Figures for Anti-India Campaign

Pakistan Turns to Foreign Influencers in Information War Against India

NEW DELHI — In what intelligence officials describe as an escalating information warfare campaign, Pakistan has shifted strategies following the diplomatic fallout from Operation Sindoor, reportedly recruiting foreign social media personalities to advance its narrative against India.

Security sources familiar with the situation reveal that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has established a specialized unit dedicated to identifying and recruiting influencers willing to promote content favorable to Islamabad while portraying India negatively in the international arena.

“The operation represents a sophisticated attempt to shape global perception through seemingly independent voices,” said a security analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue. “By recruiting foreign nationals, they’re trying to create an impression of international consensus critical of India.”

The development comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. According to intelligence reports, this specialized ISI cell operates with considerable resources, targeting influencers with substantial following across various social media platforms who might be willing to present Pakistan’s perspective on regional disputes.

Indian authorities have already taken action against several domestic figures accused of participating in such campaigns. Notable among these was the arrest of journalist Jyoti Malhotra following the Pahalgam attack, where investigators alleged she was part of a coordinated effort to shape public narrative around the incident.

The pivot toward foreign influencers marks a significant evolution in Pakistan’s approach. Security experts suggest this change may have been prompted by India’s crackdown on domestic actors suspected of collaborating with Pakistani intelligence.

“What we’re witnessing is the globalization of information warfare,” explained Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a cybersecurity expert specializing in state-sponsored disinformation campaigns. “When domestic channels become compromised, recruiting foreign voices offers plausible deniability while potentially reaching wider international audiences.”

The strategy aligns with growing global concerns about information manipulation. Similar tactics have been documented in conflicts worldwide, with social media becoming an increasingly critical battleground for shaping international opinion.

For India, the challenge lies in countering narratives without appearing to stifle legitimate criticism. Officials maintain that their actions target only those with demonstrable links to foreign intelligence operations, not independent commentators.

Regional experts note that this information battle occurs against the backdrop of both nations competing for diplomatic influence across the Global South and in Western capitals. Pakistan’s diplomatic position reportedly weakened following Operation Sindoor, creating urgency to regain narrative control.

“Information warfare has become a crucial component of modern statecraft,” said Ananya Sharma, a researcher at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses. “Countries invest in these operations because international public opinion can significantly impact economic relationships, military aid, and diplomatic support.”

Intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring several foreign nationals who have recently begun producing content critical of India while echoing talking points that align with Pakistan’s official positions. However, proving direct financial connections remains challenging due to the sophisticated payment methods allegedly employed.

The Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment specifically on these developments but reiterated India’s commitment to countering disinformation campaigns that threaten national security.

As this digital battlefield evolves, cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of media literacy and critical consumption of online content, particularly when it comes to geopolitically sensitive issues between nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of conflict.