Information as a Weapon: How ISI Shapes Perception in War

In the constantly evolving and adversarial environment of current geopolitics, the security of a nation can no longer be ascertained exclusively through military might. It is increasingly defined by its capacity to influence and convey its message, both domestically and internationally. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s leading intelligence agency, leads this covert operation. ISI makes use of an advanced strategy of information management and strategic communication aimed at safeguarding national interests and neutralizing propaganda driven by enemies of state. ISI’s operations in this aspect are viewed by defense analysts as an essential bulwark against the contagious influence of fifth-generation warfare.

Information Warfare

Perception management has always been a key element of warfare. It could be applied deliberately or formed unconsciously. Terms like ‘traditional propaganda’ and ‘psychological warfare’ have, in recent times, been added to the umbrella term ‘information warfare’. Intelligence agencies all around the world refer to it as ‘information operations’ or ‘psychological operations’. The core premise of such operations is that perception shapes military understanding and policymaking. Perceptions can be influenced through images, language, or printed materials. They are reflective of the cultural and political backgrounds of the parties involved, as well as their tactical thinking. Historically, the psychological analysis of images and perceptions has been a significant contributing factor to successful operations. Conflicts in recent decades suggest that psychological influence through information operations is rarely accidental and is often manufactured. It is the outcome of a systematic and deliberate planning that is aimed at achieving strategic goals. Such planning has often delivered short-term gains and even more enduring successes. Perceptions often go a long way. Information warfare, therefore, shows the sustained power of controlling the narrative in modern warfare.

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Countering Hybrid Warfare: A National Imperative

Pakistan has endured a long and sustained campaign of hybrid warfare for the last two decades. These covert operations range from conventional military aggression to psychological warfare. This assault is defined by multi-dimensional warfare to counter entities that are aimed at destabilizing the nation by causing division and discrediting national institutions. The ISI plays a vital role in countering these existential threats. ISI’s strategic communications as well as information operations are an indispensable measure of defense. It plays a key role in uncovering and countering foreign-sponsored misinformation campaigns. These campaigns, more often than not, are sponsored by animosity-bearing countries and their intelligence organizations. This was also observed in the recent Indo-Pak stand-off in 2025 when India was spreading false information regarding the conflict through social media and other channels. The purpose was to incite internal conflict and harm Pakistan’s global image by eroding people’s morale. Even Indian sources denied these false claims:

The ISI’s activities are therefore a tactical use of information and do not come from a defensive or reactive position. By detecting and exposing these treacherous networks, the agency takes the form of a shield. Aside from its covert roles, ISI is actively involved in fact-checking misinformation and preventing its spread.

This forward-looking posture is observed as a national responsibility and taken as such by the agency as well. Most of ISI’s missions are off the record and therefore can not be traced with clarity. Such a nature of work is often neither recognized nor awarded with medals. Some of the results of their efforts were recently shared by DG ISPR during his presser on the Pak-India conflict of 2025:

Building a Unified National Narrative

ISI’s involvement with the media is often misunderstood and misrepresented by critics. Domestically, this dynamic is generally described as a partnership founded on mutually shared national interest. From border clashes to terrorist attacks, a unified national narrative is increasingly becoming crucial to ensure popular confidence and citizens’ backing for state institutions. By sharing confirmed intelligence and defining the position of the state, the ISI prevents the dissemination of disinformation and panic. This guidance ensures that media outlets do not unknowingly become conduits for enemy propaganda, thereby serving a higher national purpose. This approach is not about stifling dissent. It is about ensuring that the media’s powerful voice is aligned with the country’s security and stability. And does not harm it by accident.

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Projecting Pakistan’s Strengths: A Global Counter-Narrative

In conclusion, the ISI plays an important role in safeguarding Pakistan’s image and sovereignty amid persistent global misinformation campaigns and hybrid threats. By exposing foreign-sponsored propaganda through the presentation of credible evidence to international bodies, the ISI is actively countering false narratives. This information warfare becomes all the more pertinent when sensitive issues, like Kashmir, are involved. Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir is one that has been constantly backed by the government through evidence of India’s atrocities and inhumane treatment of Kashmiris:

Information warfare, in current times, could easily win or lose wars. It not only defends the nation’s honor but also reclaims narrative control. The ISI’s strategic communication operations give it the position and aura of a vigilant guardian who is committed to protecting Pakistan’s interests. It works tirelessly to project the country as a resilient and responsible state on world platforms.