Islamabad — A series of reports in Indian media alleging a nexus between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Khalistani activists in Canada have come under growing scrutiny from analysts, civil society groups, and diplomatic observers. The accusations — which claim a billion-dollar drug trafficking network linking Afghanistan, Mexico, and Canadian Sikh groups — are being widely viewed as part of a malicious disinformation campaign aimed at damaging Pakistan’s international image.
Indian outlets have used sensationalist terms such as “narco pipeline,” “cartel franchises,” and “Khalistan cocaine link” to assert that Khalistani activists, backed by Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus, are involved in a global drug racket. However, the reports lack verifiable evidence and have been called out for being speculative at best and defamatory at worst.
Peaceful Advocacy, Not Cartel Links
Human rights observers in North America have pointed out that Khalistani activists are primarily engaged in peaceful protest and advocacy around Sikh political rights and historical grievances. “There’s no credible data linking them to transnational narcotics crimes,” one Canadian policy researcher told HTN. “What’s being spun in the media seems to conflate political dissent with criminal behavior.”
Moreover, critics argue the narrative appears timed to distract from internal issues facing India — including tensions in Punjab, unrest in Kashmir, and growing international concern over democratic backsliding. “Creating an external enemy is an old tactic,” said a South Asia analyst based in London. “It helps shift the spotlight away from domestic failings.”
Deflecting Diplomatic Setbacks?
The spike in anti-Pakistan content in Indian media follows recent global diplomacy by Islamabad, including renewed regional trade discussions and high-level engagements with Gulf and Western partners. Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence, especially after the May 2025 India-Pakistan fallout, has seemingly irked New Delhi.
Some experts suggest that by fueling a sensational narrative around a supposed ISI-Khalistan drug network, India is attempting to undermine Pakistan’s credibility abroad. “The absence of evidence is striking,” said a Brussels-based disinformation watchdog. “This appears more like creative journalism than credible reporting.”
Until clear, independently verified proof emerges, the malicious disinformation campaign linking ISI to global drug cartels through Khalistani actors remains unsubstantiated — and deeply questionable in motive.
