ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday that Pakistani security agencies had arrested a suspect allegedly involved in operating an India-linked digital disinformation network, claiming investigations uncovered an organised campaign aimed at spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda online.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar said the investigation revealed links between the suspect’s digital marketing activities and entities based in India.
Probe Uncovers Alleged Digital Influence Campaign
According to the information minister, the arrested individual was providing digital marketing services that investigators believe were connected to an organised online influence campaign.
Tarar alleged that payments for promoting anti-Pakistan content on social media originated from India.
He said investigators also uncovered a network of bot farms allegedly used to spread misinformation and amplify content targeting Pakistan, its sovereignty, the government, the armed forces and other state institutions.
Alleged Links to Banned JAAC
The minister claimed the suspect disclosed during questioning that a significant amount of content received for promotion related to the activities of the proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Tarar, the investigation exposed what he described as links between the banned organisation and India.
He alleged that the group had been working to undermine Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue and weaken relations between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan.
Call for Democratic Participation
Tarar said the banned JAAC did not represent the interests of the Kashmiri people or the Kashmir cause.
He added that if members of the organisation were sincere in their objectives, they should participate in the democratic process by contesting elections rather than engaging in activities that violate the law.
Nine More Militants Killed in Ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, Security Sources Say
Government’s Allegations on Violent Protests
The information minister further alleged that violent protests linked to the banned group resulted in the deaths of Kashmiri police personnel and created a law and order situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the government possessed what he described as “irrefutable evidence” regarding the group’s alleged links with India.
Tarar also claimed that the people of Kashmir had rejected what he called the politics of violence and conspiracy, demonstrating that the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir remained strong.
Investigation Continues
Tarar confirmed that investigations into the arrested suspect are ongoing.
He stressed that countering misinformation and disinformation remains the government’s responsibility and said authorities would continue efforts to combat organised digital propaganda campaigns.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Stability
During the press conference, the minister also said Pakistan remained committed to promoting global peace.
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s international standing had strengthened.
Tarar expressed confidence that the country would continue on its path of development and progress.
