Disinformation and Propaganda Tactics: Impacts of Indian Information Warfare on Pakistan

Abstract

The study seeks to comprehend the information warfare revolution that has occurred in the twenty-first century. Pakistan is also severely hit by Indian disinformation and propaganda warfare. It is a descriptive and qualitative investigation of historical as well as advanced information warfare to understand information warfare that includes subcategories of propaganda and disinformation. To broaden the understanding of Indian tactics and means used against Pakistan‟s image, portray it as a chaotic, in-humanitarian, and undemocratic regime. The primary focus of the study is on the Indian propaganda warfare campaign against Pakistan's military personnel, politicians, an internally fragmented society, and intelligence services. This study was conducted with the help of the theoretical lens of neoclassical realism and the theory of political propaganda to understand the Indian-led narrative buildup against Pakistan and the worsening domestic conditions. This study critically aims to explore Indian information warfare and its impact on Pakistan‟s internal stability and international image. The findings are based on highlighting campaigns and narratives from various news websites (including ANI, Indian news channels, and Twitter trends), as well as EU Disinfo lab publications that promote Indian propaganda. In addition to domestic issues that contribute to social fragmentation, manipulating citizens and misusing technology provide propagandists with an advantage in carrying out nefarious activities. Moreover, it aims to chalk out recommendations for countermeasures.