Tarar Says India-Funded Digital Network Targeted Pakistan

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in Islamabad on Sunday that Pakistani investigators had uncovered an alleged India-linked digital influence network associated with an arrested marketing service provider connected to the Joint Awami Action Committee in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He described the case as a coordinated attempt to promote anti-Pakistan narratives through financed social media activity.

According to the minister, security agencies traced payments used to promote online material concerning the committee and other campaigns critical of Pakistan's institutions. He alleged that the money originated in India and was routed through digital payment platforms to individuals responsible for producing, placing and amplifying content across social networks.

Tarar said investigators recovered electronic communications that appeared to discuss payment arrangements, intended audiences and account information. He claimed the transfers were divided into relatively small amounts, which investigators believe was intended to reduce scrutiny from financial monitoring systems and conceal the broader funding pattern.

Addressing journalists, the minister said technical evidence had established a connection between the arrested individual and operators based across the border. He maintained that the investigation was supported by payment records, account data and WhatsApp exchanges, although the complete evidentiary record has not yet been released publicly or independently examined.

The government also alleged that automated accounts and coordinated online groups were used to increase the visibility of inflammatory posts. Tarar said forensic teams had identified accounts operating from India despite the use of virtual private networks, while artificial intelligence-generated pictures and recycled footage from unrelated events were allegedly presented as authentic scenes from Kashmir.

Tarar linked the suspected digital operation to previous agitation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that online messaging was used to intensify anger, encourage road blockades and undermine public confidence in state institutions. He accused the committee of damaging relations between Kashmiris and Pakistan rather than advancing legitimate public demands through constitutional and electoral channels.

The minister's allegations emerge amid growing concern in Pakistan about foreign influence campaigns, manipulated videos and organised disinformation. Digital platforms have become central to political mobilisation and public debate, but the same networks can rapidly circulate unverified claims, synthetic media and emotionally charged material before authorities or independent fact-checkers can respond.

The case may have significant implications for Pakistan's cybersecurity policy, financial monitoring system and regulation of coordinated online activity. At the same time, any prosecution will require transparent evidence and due process so that action against alleged foreign funding does not create uncertainty for lawful political expression, journalism or peaceful criticism of government policy.

Authorities are expected to continue examining payment gateways, electronic devices and accounts linked to the detained individual. Further disclosures may clarify whether additional arrests are planned, how extensive the alleged network was and whether prosecutors have sufficient admissible evidence to bring formal charges before a court.