Pakistan is facing a sustained and organised information offensive that goes far beyond routine criticism or political debate. What is unfolding in the digital space carries the hallmarks of a deliberate campaign designed to weaken the country from within and distort its image abroad. Much of this activity can be traced back to India, with support from certain Afghan-based networks that help circulate and magnify hostile content.

Over time, this campaign has grown in scale and complexity. Large numbers of fake social media accounts have been set up, many posing as Pakistanis. Some even adopt foreign identities, particularly Iranian, to make their messaging appear more authentic and credible. These accounts do not operate randomly. Their patterns suggest coordination, planning, and consistent financial backing.

Recent probes into these networks point to a clear structure. A small cluster of accounts appears to originate specific narratives, which are then picked up and pushed outward by a second layer of accounts. From there, a wider ring spreads the same content at speed, creating the impression of a genuine public reaction. In several cases, accounts linked to India have been found shaping the core messaging, while networks operating from Afghanistan help push it across platforms.

One of the more calculated tactics has been the use of fake Iranian personas. Through these, anti-Pakistan sentiments are manufactured and projected as if they reflect real opinion from within Iran. False claims are circulated to provoke mistrust and stir emotions, particularly among audiences sensitive to regional politics. Allegations such as Pakistan secretly facilitating foreign interests are used to create suspicion and drive wedges where none naturally exist.

The aim behind this effort is not difficult to........

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