ISLAMABAD: Leaked documents purportedly obtained following a breach of the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) appear to show a network of social media operatives allegedly paid to promote pro-Taliban narratives online.
The authenticity of the documents could not be independently verified.
According to the leaked material, the operatives receive monthly payments ranging from $3,500 to $4,000 to support pro-Taliban messaging across multiple social media platforms.
The documents identify several individuals described as mid-level online influencers. They also claim that senior figures, including Haider Hashmi, Waqeel Mubariz, Burhanuddin and members of Mullah Yaqoob’s social media team, receive higher payments. Those claims could not be independently verified.
The documents further allege that the network operates multiple social media accounts, including ASF, Wahida, Al Mirsad, Ustad Burmak, Islamabad Post and Info Monitor.
They also claim the operatives have access to social media accounts linked to Afghan media outlets and use them to publish false or misleading information. The documents mention Khama Press, Pajhwok Afghan News, Shamshad News, TOLOnews and Voice of Hind as examples. Reuters could not independently verify those allegations.
The leaked material also alleges the network manages accounts linked to groups identified as FAK, including Nuqta, War Globe, Huriyat and Markhor Facts.
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The Taliban authorities have not publicly responded to the alleged leak or the claims contained in the documents.
