Inside DSN and Its Misinformation on Pakistan

Islamabad – A recent study by G5iO Observatory has raised critical concerns about the credibility and intentions of Drop Site News (DSN), a United States-based investigative platform. Known for its provocative headlines and claims of leaked information, DSN is now under scrutiny for allegedly promoting anti-state narratives in Pakistan.

Key Findings from G5iO Study

The study, conducted by G5iO Observatory, analyzed DSN’s content, identifying troubling trends:

• Contributors: Ryan Grim and Murtaza Hussain contributed the bulk of the content, often sensationalizing issues involving Pakistan.
• Sensationalism: Nearly 35% of DSN’s articles lacked credible evidence, relying heavily on unverifiable claims.
• Narrative alignment: DSN’s reporting often aligned with the rhetoric of alleged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters overseas.

The G5iO study also highlighted DSN’s selective reporting practices, noting a disproportionate focus on the United States, Pakistan, and Israel-Palestine. By contrast, coverage of major geopolitical events in India, Afghanistan, and China was noticeably absent, sparking allegations of bias and agenda-driven journalism.

Also See: Drop Site News: Investigative Journalism or Propaganda Platform?

Targeting Pakistan’s Military

The findings are significant as they come in the wake of Pakistan’s precision strikes on Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sites in Afghanistan. These strikes were followed by a digital proxy war on social media. Narratives have emerged branding the Pakistan Army as “Napak” and Zionist.

It is noteworthy, that in December 2024, following clashes between the Pakistani government and PTI supporters on November 26, several overseas sessions were arranged to stir anti-Pakistan sentiments. These sessions, led by Pakistani origin US and UK nationals, advocated for foreign intervention in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

However, in a podcast with Pakistan Now, Imran Khan’s lawyer disassociated PTI from these actions, stating that they were being carried out by individuals who self-identified as PTI supporters but held no formal position within the party. The lawyer reaffirmed that PTI’s official narrative come directly from Imran Khan.

Ryan Grim and Drop Site News were among the foreign entities supporting these overseas efforts, further complicating their credibility.

Allegations of Lobbying

The study links DSN’s activities to lobbying efforts by specific political groups, particularly PTI. Content analysis suggests that DSN functions more as a mouthpiece for these groups than as an independent journalistic entity.

Implications for Journalism

Experts caution that platforms like DSN, while appealing to audiences critical of mainstream media, erode trust in journalism. By prioritizing engagement through sensationalism, DSN risks polarizing societies and undermining informed public discourse.