A misleading propaganda campaign is underway, with Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK) and Afghan-affiliated social media accounts circulating a video of local tribal men in traditional Pashtun attire and falsely portraying them as ISIS terrorists. The accompanying narrative further makes baseless allegations that the Pakistan Army created and deployed such groups abroad.
Fact Check:Contrary to the claims being circulated, the video depicts local tribesmen sitting in their own area in accordance with established tribal customs and traditional practices. Their traditional Pashtun attire and customary gathering are being deliberately misrepresented to create a false association with ISIS and malign Pakistan’s security institutions.
Importantly, the video itself provides no verifiable evidence establishing any affiliation of the individuals with ISIS, nor does it substantiate the allegations linking them to the Pakistan Army. The claims accompanying the footage are therefore unsupported and misleading.
Propaganda Tactics Exposed: The deliberate use of culturally familiar imagery to manufacture a false terrorism narrative reflects a disinformation tactic aimed at exploiting ethnic and cultural sensitivities, misleading audiences and damaging the credibility of Pakistan’s security institutions.
By presenting ordinary tribal customs as evidence of terrorist activity, these propaganda accounts are attempting to distort the ground reality and advance an unsubstantiated anti-Pakistan narrative.
Conclusion: The video does not establish the alleged ISIS affiliation of the individuals or substantiate claims of Pakistan Army involvement. Its circulation with these allegations is misleading and lacks credible supporting evidence.
