By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday accused unidentified foreign actors of launching a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the country’s role in fostering regional peace, pointing specifically to a recent CBS News story that was later amplified by a US senator known for his pro-India and pro-Israel stance.

In a social media post on X, Tarar said that for the past several days, Pakistan observed a “coordinated negative information campaign” originating from outside the country.

“This campaign, initiated with malicious intent, is designed to create deliberate confusion and misinformation by quoting unnamed sources and officials,” Tarar said. “This unprofessional effort to discredit Pakistan’s role for sustainable peace in the region speaks of the frustration of those who are weary of peace.”

The minister did not name a specific outlet. However, earlier, US network CBS News published a report claiming that Iranian fighter jets were parked in Pakistan to protect them from possible US and Israeli strikes. The story was later amplified by US Senator Lindsey Graham, a lawmaker widely recognized for his close ties with India and Israel, who subsequently launched a campaign against Pakistan.

"For the past few days, a coordinated negative information campaign is being being observed , initiated from outside Pakistan, with malicious intent. The objective of this is to create deliberate confusion and misinformation, quoting unnamed sources and officials. This unprofessional intent to discredit Pakistan’s role for sustainable peace in the region speaks of the frustration of those who are weary of peace," he said and adding "Facts and verification by credible domestic media sources as well as multiple fact check forums have already called out the propaganda."

 “We understand quite clearly that behind such stories are certain elements—mainly the detractors of peace—who are unable to come to terms with Pakistan’s role for peace in the region, as well as Pakistan’s continued and successful fight against foreign-sponsored and abetted terrorism.”

The minister argued that the elimination of terrorism, resolution of disputes, and the prevalence of peace do not suit those behind the malicious campaign.

“Pakistan and its responsible media will continue to expose the nefarious designs of those behind this coordinated campaign,” Tarar said. “The effort and role of Pakistani media and influencers to unmask this malicious campaign is most commendable.”

He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, vowing that no external propaganda would deter the country from its path toward sustainable peace

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi rejected the CBS News report alleging Iranian aircraft were using a Pakistani airbase, calling it "misleading, speculative and disconnected from the facts."

Officials clarified that the aircraft were present during a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire to support diplomatic logistics for the Islamabad Talks, not for any military purpose.

Pakistan had facilitated a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, followed by talks on April 11–12, but no agreement to end the conflict was reached, and both sides continue to exchange proposals for a second round of negotiations.