Pakistan’s Narrative War: Asim Munir’s Post-Operation Sindoor English Media Strategy Under Scanner

Last Updated:April 06, 2026, 14:27 IST

Several media platforms have been launched or revived - AsiaOne News in Karachi, DM News English in Manchester, and digital platforms like FP92TV and Afrik1 TV in Paris.

A new phase in the India-Pakistan rivalry appears to be unfolding, not on the battlefield, but in the information domain. According to a report by the DisinfoLab, Pakistan’s military establishment under Asim Munir is attempting to build a global-facing media ecosystem designed to shape international opinion and counter India’s narrative advantage.

The report suggests that this shift gained urgency after the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, when Pakistan’s traditional reliance on Urdu-language media and domestic messaging reportedly failed to resonate with global audiences. For years, institutions like the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) dominated the narrative space internally, but their influence struggled to extend beyond Pakistan’s borders.

In response, Rawalpindi is said to have initiated a Strategic Communication Master Plan in 2025, an effort aimed at building credible, English-language platforms that appear international but subtly promote pro-Pakistan viewpoints. Among the initiatives highlighted is the establishment of the Himalayan Institute of Research and Policy Studies at Minhaj University Lahore in November 2025. The institute reportedly focuses on Himalayan geopolitics, security, and climate issues, while being staffed by a mix of academics, retired military officials, and figures linked to the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).

Parallel to this intellectual front, several media platforms have been launched or revived. These include AsiaOne News in Karachi, DM News English in Manchester, and digital platforms like FP92TV and Afrik1 TV in Paris. The report claims that some of these outlets have links to former staff of TRT World and individuals associated with military-backed organisations, allowing them to project an image of editorial independence while maintaining alignment with state narratives.

However, early signs suggest that the strategy faces familiar challenges. Pakistan’s earlier attempts at English-language broadcasting, such as Geo English and DawnNews, struggled financially and failed to build sustained global credibility. Reports of salary delays and operational issues in newer ventures like AsiaOne indicate that structural problems may persist despite fresh investment.

Indian intelligence sources view this emerging ecosystem as a coordinated effort by Pakistan’s military and intelligence apparatus to regain narrative ground, particularly on sensitive issues like Kashmir. The emphasis on diaspora audiences and foreign-facing platforms is seen as an attempt to bypass credibility gaps and create plausible deniability.

News world Pakistan’s Narrative War: Asim Munir’s Post-Operation Sindoor English Media Strategy Under Scanner

Read More