A controversy erupted after Congress national spokesperson Ritu Choudhary shared a video targeting the Indian Army that originated from a Pakistan-based social media account. The incident has pointed to political amplification of disinformation, with questions being raised about how the video spread from a Pakistani account to an Indian political spokesperson.
The video was originally posted by the X account @InsiderWB, which the thread claims previously operated under the name @PTI_insider. This account seems to be a part of a wider network involved in spreading anti-India propaganda.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns over AI-generated videos and fabricated statements targeting India’s military leadership. The Indian Army has flagged a manipulated video circulating online that falsely attributes statements about Chinese control of parts of Arunachal Pradesh and the alleged disruption of supplies to Indian troops to Lieutenant General Girish Kalia. The Army said the video had been digitally altered, with fabricated audio and lip movements added to original footage from a 2023 press briefing.
Allegations Against Pakistan-Based Social Media Operatives
Upon examination, we can identify a Farhan K. Virk and his wife, Iram Ahmad Khan, as the alleged operators behind the propaganda network.
The couple previously are said to have managed social media activities for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan before moving to work with Pakistan’s military public relations establishment, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), which operates under the country’s military.
The couple reportedly travelled to China on multiple occasions and received support and training linked to Chinese interests.
There are photographs and acknowledgements of Chinese officials for evidence.
Coordinated Online Campaigns
Iram Ahmad Khan is said to be coordinating online campaigns relating to Kashmir and operating multiple social media teams, including the account @teamGreen_pk3.
Additionally, the social media agencies linked to the couple have promoted political narratives in India, including hashtags supporting JNU professor Nivedita Menon, whom the thread accuses of advocating for “Azad Kashmir”.
There is one more individual Jalal Sherazi, said to be an associate of the couple since 2018. Sherazi works as a social media coordinator for Pakistan’s prime minister and serves as a liaison between the couple and the ISPR.
This article is based on an X thread by Vijay Gajera.
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