Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, has questioned the credibility of the media outlet Afghanistan International, accusing it of spreading propaganda and rumors against the Afghan government. He also raised questions about whether the channel is funded by Pakistan’s ISI.
Khalilzad also expressed concern over the channel’s reaction after he barred several Afghans from attending a meeting allegedly organized by the ISI, describing Afghanistan International’s response as unusually hostile.
Pointing to the outlet’s support for groups opposing the Afghan government and its lobbying activities, Khalilzad asked: “Is Afghanistan International truly an independent news organization, or does it operate under the influence of a particular faction?”
It’s worth noting that a meeting in Islamabad, attended by Afghan government opponents, originally scheduled for late August, was postponed amid widespread reactions and mounting pressure.