'Al-Mirsad' anti-Pakistan propaganda arm of Afghan Taliban: CSSPR

ISLAMABAD:

A comprehensive study conducted by the Center for Security, Strategy and Policy Research (CSSPR) at the University of Lahore has identified Afghan media outlet "Al-Mirsad" as a structured propaganda platform serving as a strategic arm of the Afghan Taliban's intelligence apparatus.

The research highlights the outlet's role in orchestrating sophisticated, anti-Pakistan narratives aimed at destabilizing the country and eroding public trust in state institutions.

According to the report, Al-Mirsad, launched in 2023, is not an independent media entity but a professional, coordinated information warfare tool. It operates under centralized control linked to the Taliban's leadership, designed to advance ideological warfare by shaping narratives that support the Taliban regime while delegitimizing Pakistan.

The CSSPR study details the platform's multi-layered digital strategy, which includes producing content in multiple languages—including English, Urdu, Pashto, Arabic, Dari, and Hindi. Al-Mirsad utilizes advanced distribution techniques across platforms such as Telegram, X, WhatsApp, and YouTube, with evidence suggesting the use of AI-driven amplification to ensure maximum narrative saturation.

A key finding of the research is the platform's deliberate "weaponization of religion." Al-Mirsad reportedly distorts Islamic concepts to frame militant violence as a religious duty, while simultaneously branding Pakistan's counterterrorism operations as illegitimate. The report underscores that the platform acts as a force multiplier for militant groups, specifically by actively legitimizing the TTP and concealing the documented linkages between the Taliban and TTP operations.

Furthermore, the study notes that Al-Mirsad employs psychological and emotional manipulation by exploiting internal ethnic fault lines, particularly in Pakistan's Pashtun and Baloch regions. The platform also attempts to hijack global Muslim causes, such as the situation in Gaza. APP