New Delhi: Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is reportedly seeking to enlist foreign social media influencers to promote anti-India narratives centred on Jammu and Kashmir and the Khalistan movement, according to intelligence inputs cited in a media report. The alleged shift follows a crackdown by Indian agencies on networks accused of spreading pro-Pakistan content after Operation Sindoor.
According to officials quoted in the report, several alleged propaganda networks operating in India were exposed following investigations into influencers who were reportedly offered money, luxury holidays and other benefits to promote content favouring Pakistan. The arrests reportedly disrupted a propaganda network suspected of having links to the ISI.
The report claims that the Pakistani intelligence agency has since directed its associates to identify influencers in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. These individuals are allegedly being offered financial incentives and sponsored trips in exchange for publishing content based on predetermined scripts.
Jammu and Kashmir reportedly remains a key focus of the alleged campaign, alongside a growing emphasis on the Khalistan movement. Officials cited in the report claim that some content promotes the separation of Punjab from India and the establishment of an independent Khalistan.
The report also points to an alleged increase in online material supporting Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation banned in India. The specific claims about the recruitment of foreign influencers and the extent of the campaign have not been independently verified.
Human rights narratives reportedly gaining prominence
According to the officials, the alleged strategy has shifted from overtly divisive messaging towards content framed around human rights issues in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. This approach is reportedly intended to attract international attention while making the underlying agenda less apparent.
Pakistan-linked propaganda channels are also alleged to be amplifying such videos through paid promotion to expand their reach across social media platforms.
Another element highlighted in the report is the alleged removal of videos after they have circulated for 15 days to a month. Officials believe this practice could complicate efforts to trace the original source of the content after it has gained traction online.
Investigating individuals based overseas may also present legal and operational challenges, requiring coordination with foreign authorities and adherence to international legal procedures.
The allegations underline concerns about the use of social media to influence public opinion and shape international perceptions of India. However, the claims regarding the ISI’s alleged instructions, payments and recruitment of foreign influencers remain based on intelligence inputs cited in the report and have not been independently established.
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