Over the years, it has become increasingly evident that the nature of influence between states has changed. It is no longer exercised simply through diplomacy, trade, or military posture. Instead, it is shaped through narratives that circulate online, often far removed from official policy or verified information. In the context of Afghan–Pak relations, this shift has become ever-so visible. Platforms such as TikTok and YouTube now play a role in shaping public sentiment that, until recently, was reserved for state institutions and traditional media.

What makes this space particularly potent is its informality. Influencers speak directly to audiences without filters, disclaimers, or institutional responsibility. Their content is framed as personal experience or moral clarity rather than analysis. In an environment where attention is the primary currency, emotional certainty travels faster than complexity. The result is a steady stream of content that reduces a long and complicated relationship into easily consumable accusations and grievances. Many of these narratives follow a familiar pattern. Historical events are presented in isolation, stripped of regional or international context. Policy decisions are interpreted as deliberate hostility rather than responses to security, economic, or political constraints. Pakistan is often portrayed as a singular actor exercising unchecked control, while the roles of external powers and broader geopolitical pressures are either minimised or........

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