In recent weeks, a troubling pattern has emerged on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), involving disinformation surrounding security operations in Balochistan, Pakistan.
A video clip depicting passenger buses escorted by law enforcement was shared with the misleading implication that this was evidence of deteriorating internal security and rising insurgency in Pakistan. In reality, this convoy protection is a counter-terrorism measure aimed at safeguarding innocent civilians from cross-border terrorism — specifically, attacks orchestrated by Indian-backed Baloch terrorist outfits such as the BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army) and BLF (Balochistan Liberation Front).
The targeted bus routes — from Quetta to Islamabad via Zhob, Quetta to Karachi, and Quetta to Taftan — have become flashpoints due to repeated attacks. On 11 July 2025, the BLF attacked a passenger bus in Zhob, killing nine passengers. Just days later, on 16 July, a second attack in Kalat resulted in the tragic deaths of three renowned Qawwals from the Sabri Qawwal group.
These atrocities are part of a broader campaign of terror waged by foreign-sponsored insurgents. Yet, rather than highlighting the dangers faced by civilians or the valiant efforts of Pakistani security forces, certain accounts are pushing a false narrative that serves regional geopolitical interests — particularly those of India.
The Disinformation Web
The false portrayal of convoy protection was first tweeted by a RAW-linked X account named Mir Yar Baloch. This handle, with almost exclusively Indian followers, is notorious for disseminating anti-Pakistan content. The tweet was soon amplified by a series of other India-affiliated accounts, including India War Monitor, indicating a coordinated disinformation campaign.
But what elevated this false narrative into the international sphere was a retweet by Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the former U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Khalilzad tweeted:
“I am pleased that these Pakistani soldiers and policemen were not harmed. However, this episode is another indicator of the growing insurgency and terror in Pakistan, particularly in Baluchistan.”
This tweet, echoing the disinformation originally propagated by Mir Yar Baloch, not only misrepresents the facts but also lends undue credibility to a campaign that serves strategic Indian interests
Zalmay Khalilzad: A History of Controversy
Khalilzad’s involvement in this narrative isn’t entirely surprising to observers of his career trajectory. Once a prominent figure in U.S. diplomacy, he has faced sustained criticism for his role as chief negotiator in the failed U.S.-Taliban peace process. According to U.S. officials, Khalilzad became the face of “one of the largest U.S. diplomatic failures in recent memory.” The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and former Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib both criticized him harshly — Mohib went as far as calling him a “viceroy” who prioritized personal ambition over Afghan sovereignty.
After the U.S. exited Afghanistan, Khalilzad shifted to private consultancy. His firm, Gryphon Partners, offers “geopolitical advisory and crisis management” services to corporations and governments operating in volatile regions. According to the firm’s website, they specialize in energy, infrastructure, aviation, logistics, critical minerals, and supply chain security.
Personal Ambition or Strategic Realignment?
The timing and nature of Khalilzad’s retweet raise pressing questions. Is this merely poor judgment from a former diplomat? Or is it a calculated move tied to personal ambitions?
By aligning with disinformation networks like those linked to MEMRI — an organization reportedly headed by a former Israeli intelligence operative — and Indian propaganda outlets, Khalilzad may be signalling a shift toward new strategic partnerships. These platforms, infamous for spinning anti-Pakistan narratives, are natural allies for any actor seeking to cultivate favour with Indian influence networks or position themselves as regional experts for Western stakeholders.
Given Gryphon Partners’ interests in geopolitical crisis management and investment advising in sensitive sectors, Khalilzad may be eyeing opportunities in India or Indian-aligned policy circles — possibly leveraging disinformation as a currency to gain relevance or attract clientele.
Zalmay Khalilzad’s amplification of an Indian-backed disinformation campaign against Pakistan cannot be viewed in isolation. It reflects a convergence of personal ambition, historical baggage, and strategic realignment. His actions, deliberate or not, risk legitimizing false narratives that undermine regional stability and embolden terrorist outfits operating under foreign patronage.
The question must be asked:
Is Zalmay Khalilzad a victim of misinformation or a willing participant in an emerging axis of influence aimed at reshaping the narrative in South Asia — one retweet at a time?
Either way, his involvement should serve as a cautionary tale about how credibility earned in the corridors of diplomacy can be weaponized in the echo chambers of disinformation.
