Islamabad, February 2026 — Pakistani officials have highlighted the role of online accounts that glorify terrorism and spread harmful narratives about Pakistan, raising concerns about foreign interference, information warfare, and regional tensions.
According to security and government sources, a network of social media accounts has been operating in a way that amplifies extremist content and selectively promotes narratives about militancy in Pakistan. Pakistani authorities note that some of these accounts are linked to influence operations based in India and aim to shape public perceptions, undermine Pakistan’s image, and normalize violence.
Independent investigations into online influence operations show that coordinated campaigns often emerge during periods of heightened conflict or political tension. Analysts point out that such activity tends to flourish during crises and can exacerbate geopolitical disputes. For example, research during the India‑Pakistan standoff in 2025 documented networks promoting partisan narratives, including content that praised militant acts connected to the conflict.
Senior government figures in Pakistan stress that coordinated posts, videos, and accounts associated with these efforts have contributed to a climate of mistrust and, at times, glorified attacks against civilians or security forces — a tactic that Islamabad views as part of a broader information campaign. Officials emphasize that this goes beyond normal online discourse and reflects strategic efforts aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
The concerns are part of a wider discussion on how social media is used as a tool of influence and propaganda in South Asia. During regional conflicts and crises, platforms such as Twitter, X, Facebook, and Telegram often become battlegrounds for competing narratives, with governments and non‑state actors seeking to shape global opinion. Independent digital analysis groups have documented inauthentic behavior at scale aimed at advancing particular geopolitical interests, though they stop short of attributing responsibility to specific state actors.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information has urged global technology companies to investigate and take action against accounts that violate platform policies by glorifying terrorism or spreading disinformation, highlighting that unchecked propaganda can fuel real‑world violence and mistrust.
Experts note that misinformation and coordinated influence campaigns pose serious challenges to digital safety, societal harmony, and international relations. They call for stronger cooperation between governments and social media platforms to curb harmful content while protecting legitimate freedom of expression.
As tensions continue between India and Pakistan over border incidents and political disputes, online platforms increasingly reflect — and sometimes intensify — the broader regional friction.
