ISLAMABAD: Senior investigative journalist Fakhar Durrani has released what he says is additional evidence to support his claim that an alleged Indian intelligence-linked network attempted to influence Pakistan’s media through paid opinion articles.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Durrani urged critics to review two audio clips, saying they would help clarify why he believes the network was linked to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). According to Durrani, the first clip contains a WhatsApp conversation in which discussions initially focused on publishing an article critical of Field Marshal Asim Munir. He said he repeatedly asked for advance payment during February to create a financial record of the transaction.
He claimed that on February 27, following clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the alleged network transferred an advance payment through EasyPaisa and simultaneously asked him to share videos, images and other information about the border situation that had not appeared in the media. Durrani questioned why a company claiming to be a public relations firm would seek sensitive information related to a security situation.
The second clip, he said, is a recorded WhatsApp call made after his investigation was completed. According to Durrani, he directly confronted the individuals, accusing them of working for RAW rather than a PR firm.
He alleged that the callers initially denied the accusation but later shifted the discussion toward offering opportunities to relocate to the United Kingdom.
Durrani said the material should be sufficient for those willing to examine the evidence. He added that he now intends to focus on future investigations instead of continuing the debate over the case. Earlier, Durrani reported that the first approach was made in November 2025 by a woman who claimed to represent a Dubai-based public relations company. He alleged she offered Rs70,000 per article in return for arranging the publication of pre-written opinion pieces in Pakistani newspapers.
According to his investigation, the proposed articles covered issues including Pakistan’s military leadership, the economy, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Pakistan-China relations, Afghanistan and Balochistan. He claimed his role was limited to securing publication rather than verifying or reporting the content. The News reported that the alleged network also sought details about Pakistan’s media environment and encouraged the use of cryptocurrency for payments. The report said investigators documented transfers amounting to Rs103,000 during the operation.
The report further alleged that when concerns were raised about possible foreign links, the network increased its financial offers and promised overseas employment and relocation for Durrani and his family.
According to the report, the matter was referred to relevant Pakistani authorities because of its potential national security implications. The investigation reportedly includes WhatsApp messages, recorded calls, financial records and draft articles. However, the report also states that some claims made by those involved could not be independently verified.
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