In a renewed effort to internationalise the Kashmir issue, Pakistan is leveraging its annual observance of Kashmir Self-Determination Day on January 5 to amplify anti-India narratives.
Intelligence inputs from Indian defence establishments reveal a coordinated campaign orchestrated by Pakistan’s state-backed entities, involving media outlets, social media influencers, and organised protests aimed at tarnishing India’s image globally.
Observed since the 1949 UN resolution on Kashmir, January 5 has become a key date in Pakistan’s propaganda calendar. This year, Islamabad’s efforts have intensified, with hashtags like #KashmirDarkJanuary and #FreeKashmir dominating social media platforms.
These campaigns, alleging human rights violations and state terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, are part of a larger strategy to sway international opinion against India.
Defence intelligence reports highlight the active role of Pakistan’s military establishment in orchestrating these campaigns. Despite stringent social media restrictions within Pakistan, state-backed X handles such as @sheikh_hon_yaar have been identified as key drivers of this propaganda.
A significant portion of the digital effort also involves influencers like @itx_izayyyy, who has a following of 166,000, alongside outlets like @RadioPakistan disseminating similar narratives.
On-ground activities have also been mobilised to bolster digital propaganda. Pakistani cities, including Islamabad and Lahore, have hosted anti-India workshops and rallies funded by state-supported organisations like the Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK) and the Institute of Regional Studies Islamabad.
In Muzaffarabad, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC-AJK) organised a protest rally, adding to the chorus of events designed to propagate Islamabad’s agenda.
India’s defence agencies have responded by exposing the baselessness of Pakistan’s claims, labelling them as diversionary tactics aimed at masking Pakistan’s internal crises, including its economic instability and political turmoil. “This propaganda is an attempt to shift focus from Pakistan’s internal issues by falsely accusing India of human rights violations,” said a senior official from India’s defence establishment.
By countering these narratives with credible evidence, India aims to dismantle Pakistan’s attempts to undermine its sovereignty and global standing.
Indian agencies emphasise the importance of vigilance in combating the spread of disinformation and ensuring that the international community recognises Pakistan’s campaign as a strategic ploy rather than a reflection of ground realities.
Tune In
