Islamabad: Analyst Ashir Azeem claims that MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) was originally established in 1998 by an individual linked to Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
Based in Washington, D.C., MEMRI runs both a TV channel and social media accounts—some public, others covert.
Its initial mission was to translate content from Arabic, Persian, Pashto, Balochi, and other regional languages into English.
However, Azeem suggests that these translations are selectively framed to support narratives favorable to their agenda.
Referring to current developments in Balochistan, he argues that the unrest in the province reflects the joint strategic interests of both Israel and India.
One major concern, according to him, is China’s involvement.
The route from China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea—commonly known as the CPEC road—runs through Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Balochistan.
India objects strongly to this, as it claims sovereignty over the region, and believes the project strengthens Pakistan’s control over Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, India also has territorial disputes with China and is uneasy about the CPEC providing China with access to the Gulf and Middle Eastern markets through Central Asia.
Western powers, including the U.S., share these concerns and back India’s stance.
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In response, they are promoting the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) as a counter to CPEC. According to Azeem, Balochistan has become a critical battleground in this geopolitical competition.
