Delhi Police has claimed to identify more than 400 social media accounts allegedly operating from Pakistan that were sharing misleading posts, edited videos and unverified information concerning demonstrations in New Delhi. Police officials said action is being taken to block the accounts in phases.
The allegations have surfaced against the backdrop of sensitive bilateral relations, where both countries have frequently accused each other of conducting online influence campaigns during periods of political or security tension.
Delhi Police Details Allegations
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sumit Jha said investigators believe the identified accounts attempted to exploit the protest situation by circulating misleading narratives capable of creating confusion among the public.
He further claimed that several of the same accounts had also been active during Operation Sindoor, alleging that their objective was to provoke public sentiment and divert attention, particularly among students.
The police urged citizens not to rely on anonymous social media accounts or viral posts without verification and appealed to the public to confirm information through credible sources before sharing it online.
Officials reiterated that peaceful protest is protected under India’s Constitution but warned that spreading false information or violating public order would invite legal action.
No Public Evidence Released
While making the allegations, Delhi Police did not publicly release technical evidence detailing how the accounts were identified as Pakistan-linked or whether any state institution was involved.
At the time of publication, Indian authorities had not disclosed forensic findings or attribution reports that independently verified ownership or operational control of the accounts.
Similarly, no official response from Pakistan regarding these specific allegations was included in the source material.
Growing Information Rivalry Between India and Pakistan
Digital information has increasingly become an important component of India-Pakistan relations. Cybersecurity experts generally note that attributing online influence campaigns to a particular country requires extensive digital forensic analysis, and such claims are often difficult to verify independently without transparent technical evidence.
Governments across the world have also become more active in monitoring coordinated online campaigns that they believe could influence public opinion, create unrest or affect national security.
Allegations Reflect Broader Narrative Competition
From Pakistan’s perspective, accusations regarding social media influence operations have become increasingly common during periods of heightened bilateral tension.
Over recent years, Indian authorities have repeatedly alleged Pakistan-based online campaigns, while Pakistani officials have similarly accused India of sponsoring misinformation targeting Pakistan. These competing narratives have become a recurring feature of the information environment surrounding bilateral relations.
The latest claims by Delhi Police should therefore be viewed within this broader context of strategic communication and information competition. Importantly, the allegations remain claims made by Indian authorities unless supported by independently verifiable digital forensic evidence.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that disputes between the two countries should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. Independent observers generally emphasize the importance of transparency, evidence-based investigations and responsible reporting when allegations of cross-border disinformation emerge.
For Pakistani media organizations, the episode also highlights the growing importance of fact-checking, digital literacy and verification before amplifying information originating from social media platforms. As artificial intelligence, manipulated videos and coordinated online campaigns become more sophisticated, both journalists and the public face increasing challenges in distinguishing verified information from misleading content.
Why It Matters
The Delhi Police allegations demonstrate how cyberspace has become an increasingly important arena in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape. Whether involving public protests, security incidents or diplomatic disagreements, information itself has become a strategic tool.
For Pakistan, the incident underscores the importance of strengthening digital diplomacy, investing in cybersecurity capabilities, promoting responsible journalism and supporting independent verification mechanisms. Such measures can help ensure that regional disputes are addressed on the basis of evidence rather than competing narratives.
