Countering Disinformation: Strategic Imperatives for Pakistan in the Age of Hybrid Warfare

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Disinformation means spreading false information to harm public opinion and the state’s image, which is not the same as misinformation that is to mislead people by sharing content without the intent to deceive them. In warfare, disinformation tries to disrupt a state by using tactics from cyber, psychological and economic areas, but not by engaging in open military matters. It means sharing online information to divide groups, weaken important organisations and affect political outcomes. Social media makes it easy for adversaries to manipulate information, letting them quickly exploit possible flaws and frequently stay unnoticed. The risk to Pakistan is real and seems to be growing daily. Indian Chronicles exposed that malicious NGOs and media were used for 15 years to ruin Pakistan’s international reputation. This article examines how Pakistan should prepare a comprehensive plan to resist disinformation challenges in its response to hybrid warfare.

Different nations have very different levels of resistance against disinformation caused by fake information. Based on the Digital Quality of Life Index (2024), Pakistan is placed 95th, well behind India (60th), Germany (1st), and the United States (17th). This unequal distribution results from challenges in internet costs, lack of advanced infrastructure, and weak online security, all of which make people more easily vulnerable to disinformation.

Source: Digital Quality of Life Index (2024)

In addition, the EU DisinfoLab 2020 report found that Indian Chronicles is a massive disinformation network using about 750+ fake media outlets from 119 nations to promote anti-Pakistan views in different forums worldwide. They covered tricking UN-approved groups and using bogus journalists to change discussions on European policies. According to Data Reportal, Pakistan has approximately 66.9 million social media users, equating to 26.4% of the total population; among them, YouTube is used by 55.9 million, Facebook 49.4 million, Instagram 18.8 million, TikTok by 66.9 million, and X had 1.99 million users in early 2025. However, many people in the country easily fall for misleading information since literacy recently reached only 58%, and digital tools are not as standard in rural communities. The graph below depicts Pakistan’s total number of social media users over the past 3 years.

This data shows how, with a lower literacy rate, everyone is using social media without proper knowledge and is vulnerable to disinformation that is harmful to the state. The statistics reveal that Pakistan is more at risk from coordinated attacks with information and lacks key institutions to resist disinformation. Pakistan’s absence of a centralized way to handle hybrid threats puts it at a disadvantage in this era.

In the recent Pakistan-India tension, both nations spread disinformation on a wide scale. Pakistan was targeted by many false claims meant to hurt its image and create disagreement inside.

Experts have discovered various important ways in which disinformation is spread. There were many reports about Pakistan attacking, with the number of those wounded or killed being overestimated. Moreover, there were rumours that ATM and bank closures were used to scare people. Disinformation was broadcast through social media to many users using its widespread system and quick distribution. One of the most concerning misinformation developments during the Pahalgam crisis was the development of sophisticated deep fakes, which were often made using AI and featured overlay or modified video, audio, or images. One AI-generated video shows Pakistan Army spokesperson General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary acknowledging the loss of two fighter jets. During the battle, there was widespread misinformation and disinformation.

The presence of disinformation endangers Pakistan’s security, unites communities, and erodes people’s trust in the government. Outside Pakistan, adversaries use digital platforms to spread false news that damages the nation’s reputation and internal peace. Within the country, the unchecked spread of lies makes it harder for religious groups to get along, reduces trust in the government, and makes governing less effective. The increase in fake news on social media because of money, politics, and outside threats leads to social discord and division.

In comparison, some countries are taking steps early to tackle disinformation. For example, Estonia brought together different governments, media, and civil organizations to battle false information. NATO has strongly emphasised that digital capabilities and artificial intelligence help catch and mitigate the presence of unsafe material in digital networks. India has taken measures to toughen up its online and civil defence procedures against rumours that may harm peace or the country’s safety.

Pakistan’s response mechanisms are scattered and disconnected. Even though the ISPR handles the release of public information, there is not a single centralized group fighting disinformation. The recent formation of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency serves the purpose of fighting cybercrimes and monitoring propaganda spread on social media. However, malicious individuals can exploit unprotected systems without complete rules to fight digital threats.

To cope with this menace of disinformation, Pakistan’s strategy should address digital governance, educate people about media, upgrade digital tools and engage countries from around the globe. Moreover, Pakistan should also create a National Disinformation Response Unit (NDRU) within the National Security Division or the ISPR to coordinate efforts among civilian and military agencies in beating disinformation.

Media literacy must be part of the national curriculum and encouraged through special information campaigns. Using Meta and X (the former Twitter) is very important in promptly detecting and deleting disinformation organized by groups. Besides, Pakistan could develop agreements with nations and multinational organizations to handle foreign-sponsored disinformation. Additionally, creating strategic communication cells in ministries makes it possible to build narratives quickly to defend the country’s interests online.

To sum up, the rise of disinformation in Pakistan because of digital growth, international tension, and domestic weaknesses seriously threaten Pakistan’s safety, unity, and democracy. The article points out that modern warfare do not only happen in the field; now, fights are happening online and with people’s perceptions. Both state organisations and terrorist groups have used ethnic, sectarian, and political disagreements in the country to spread disinformation against Pakistan. The best way to deal with these problems is for Pakistan to prepare institutions, update its policies, and become involved with society.