Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Sunday that security agencies had apprehended a suspect some time ago for operating a digital influence campaign linked to India. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister revealed that the individual was engaged in providing digital marketing services, which investigations showed had connections to India.
Tarar explained that payments for promoting anti-Pakistan content on social media platforms were routed from India. The inquiry further uncovered a network of bot farms used to disseminate misinformation and amplify material aimed at undermining Pakistan, its sovereignty, government, armed forces, and state institutions.
During interrogation, the suspect disclosed that much of the content he handled was related to the activities of the proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) operating in Azad Kashmir. The minister stated that the investigation exposed the banned JAAC’s links with India, highlighting that the group has been working to sabotage the Kashmir cause and damage the bond between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan.
Tarar emphasized that the banned committee does not represent the genuine interests of the Kashmiri people or their cause. He suggested that if its members were sincere, they should engage in the democratic process by participating in elections. The minister also noted that violent protests organized by the group had led to the martyrdom of Kashmiri police officers and created law and order challenges in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He reiterated that the group’s activities have clear connections with India and that the government holds undeniable evidence supporting this claim. Tarar affirmed that the people of Kashmir have rejected the politics of violence and conspiracy, proving that the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir remains strong and unbreakable.
The investigation into the arrested suspect is ongoing, with the minister stressing that combating misinformation is a key responsibility of the government. He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, the nation’s dignity and international standing have been significantly enhanced.
Tarar expressed confidence that Pakistan will continue progressing on its path of development and prosperity.
