LEAs uncover foreign-funded digital propaganda

ISLAMABAD: Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have uncovered an alleged foreign-funded digital propaganda network that received more than Rs3. 6 million to run coordinated disinformation campaigns on social media, arresting a key facilitator accused of using international payment platforms and overseas bank accounts to channel funds into Pakistan, according to security sources. The sources said the arrested individual was allegedly working under the guise of providing digital marketing and online promotion services while advancing what investigators described as an enemy-sponsored agenda. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to promoting specific narratives in return for substantial payments. According to the investigation, the network used seemingly legitimate international financial channels, including Stripe, Payoneer and UK-based bank accounts, to transfer foreign funds into Pakistan for its operations. Security sources said the network received orders worth over Rs3. 6 million to systematically amplify fabricated and misleading content across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook. Investigators alleged that the campaign was designed to create a divide between the people and Pakistan’s armed forces, undermine public trust, destabilise the law and order situation, and promote negative narratives relating to Indian-occupied Kashmir and the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The investigation further revealed that inactive social media accounts carrying Pakistani identities were allegedly operated through VPNs and automation tools to conceal their actual locations. According to security sources, digital forensic analysis linked device footprints and IP addresses associated with the operation to India and other foreign locations. Authorities said they have secured emails, financial transaction records and order histories connected to the network and are expanding the investigation to identify and apprehend other alleged facilitators. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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