In a shocking development, Adil Raja and Ehsanullah Ehsan X Space sparked outrage across Pakistan’s security circles after the fugitive former army major hosted an online discussion with the ex–TTP spokesperson and confessed terrorist.
As Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi prepares to visit India on October 9, a sudden alignment of narratives has raised concerns.
Two days ago, fugitive PTI spokesperson Adil Raja, currently based in London, hosted an X Space with Ehsanullah Ehsan — the former spokesman of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the self-confessed mastermind behind the 2014 Army Public School (APS) Peshawar massacre and the attack on Malala Yousafzai.
During the session, both Raja and Ehsan discussed alleged ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) activities in North Balochistan, mentioning local figures such as Shafiq Mengal and alleged opium networks. Shafiq Mengal, heading a faction of Mengals has rivalry with BNP Akthar Mengal, he often comes under criticism from BNP Mengal Party.
Ehsan further claimed that “ISKP operates from Pakistan as a project against the Taliban,” effectively shifting the blame away from Afghanistan — a line that appeared in an Indian policy report published the very next day.
A Coordinated Psy-Op?
Analysts believe the discussion was not coincidental. The timing of the X Space, followed by India’s report echoing the same narrative, points toward what security observers describe as a “coordinated psychological operation” aimed at shaping regional discourse before Muttaqi’s diplomatic visit.
Diplomatic sources suggest that India may attempt to insert references to ISKP in the joint statement following Muttaqi’s meetings — a move designed to divert attention from Pakistan’s consistent demand that the Afghan Taliban deny space to militants launching attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil.
India’s Narrative Push
The Indian report, released hours after the X Space, cites alleged ISKP activity in Pakistan’s border regions — mirroring the talking points made by both Raja and Ehsan.
Observers believe this synchronized effort reflects New Delhi’s intent to frame Pakistan in discussions with the Afghan delegation, especially after Islamabad’s recent diplomatic and counterterrorism successes in regional forums.
Strategic Context
The development comes at a sensitive moment: Pakistan has intensified intelligence-based operations against militant groups, killing over 1,400 terrorists in 2025 alone.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Taliban government is seeking international recognition and investment — with India positioning itself to regain influence in Kabul through Muttaqi’s visit.
