Source: X
Source: linkedin
Atban Hanif, a Pakistani citizen residing in Karachi, presents himself as a digital marketer, influencer, farmer, and activist. He is particularly active on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), where he frequently targets India, often using the Kashmir issue as a pretext. Hanif is known for disseminating false and misleading information to further his agenda against India.
Source: Rocket Reach
This report will explore Atban Hanif’s activities through the following points:
1. Awami Webportal
2. Awami Workers Party
3. Fake and Misleading Content Spread by Atban Hanif
4. Narrative Created by Atban Hanif Against India
Awami Webportal
Source: archive.vn
Source: awamiweb.com
Awami Web is a Pakistani news portal based in Karachi, established in 2010. It serves as a voice for the Awami Workers Party, a political organization in Pakistan. The portal previously enjoyed millions of visitors but has been inactive recently, with its content now primarily limited to social media platforms, particularly X.
Originally operated by a team of over 20 members, many of whom have since pursued individual agendas, Atban Hanif is now at the forefront of spreading anti-India rhetoric, often accompanied by fake and misleading information.
Fake and Misleading Content Spread by Atban Hanif
One notable instance of misinformation involves Hanif’s claims regarding Bilal Ahmed Kuchey, a suspect in the Pulwama attack. After Kuchey’s arrest, he reportedly died in Kishtwar jail.
Source: X
Hanif amplified a tweet from the Hello Pakistan account, stating, “The death of Bilal Ahmed Kuchey in Kishtwar jail raises serious questions about the treatment of Kashmiri prisoners. Arrested on false charges and subjected to constant harassment, his death is another dark chapter of India’s oppression in #IIOJK. International attention is important.”
Through this, Hanif aims to perpetuate a narrative of oppression against India, highlighting the need for international scrutiny.
Fact Check
The DFRAC team conducted a thorough investigation into Atban Hanif’s claims. We reviewed reports from major news outlets such as Livemint, India TV, Hindustan Times, and India Today.
These sources confirmed that Bilal Ahmed Kuchey died from a heart attack after falling ill in Kishtwar jail. There is no evidence in the reports suggesting that he faced constant harassment while in custody. Kuchey was accused of aiding and sheltering Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, and a chargesheet was filed against him under multiple legal provisions, including the Ranbir Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Additionally, Atban Hanif spread misinformation regarding the Kisan Andolan 2.0, claiming that the Indian government was seizing Sikh land to give to Hindus. He alleged that Sikh farmers were forced to march towards Delhi due to this purported injustice. Hanif shared a video of the farmers’ protest and stated that Sikh farmers were alleging that the predominantly Hindu government was attempting to transfer their land to Hindu farmers through unfair laws.
Source: X
Fact Check
Source: tv9hindi
To verify Atban Hanif’s claims, the DFRAC team closely examined reports from major media outlets such as “The Economic Times” and “News18.” According to News18, the ongoing farmers protest aims to urge the central government to address their pending demands. Key issues include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
Similarly, “The Economic Times” highlighted that the primary demand from farmers this time is a legal guarantee of MSP for all crops, along with requests for improved sugarcane prices and monthly pensions for farmers over 60 years of age.
False Claim of RAW Agents’ Death in Maoist Attack in Delhi
Source: X
Atban Hanif also made a false claim regarding a Maoist attack in Delhi, alleging that two RAW agents were killed in an assault on a train. He shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) stating that a tragic Maoist attack occurred near Sarita Vihar Police Station, targeting a train and resulting in the deaths of two senior RAW agents. He asserted that this incident marked the fourth attack in the railway sector that authorities failed to prevent, using hashtags like #DelhiAttack, #MaoistViolence, and #IndianRailways.
Fact Check
The DFRAC team conducted a reverse image search of key frames from the viral video to assess its authenticity. This investigation led us to reports from several major media outlets, including “Hindustan Times,” “ABP Live,” “NDTV,” and “Business Standard,” all of which published the video on June 3, 2024. According to these reports, three coaches of the Jhansi route Taj Express caught fire at Sarita Vihar in southeast Delhi.
The incident occurred shortly after the train departed from New Delhi Railway Station at 3 PM on June 3. The fire broke out between Okhla and Tughlakabad railway stations. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as passengers were able to evacuate safely due to the train’s immediate stop. None of the reports mention a Maoist attack or the death of a RAW agent.
Misrepresentation of Vehicle Accident as a Grenade Attack
Source: X
Atban Hanif also went viral with a misleading claim regarding a vehicle accident involving army personnel in Kashmir, falsely linking it to violence in Manipur. He alleged that a grenade attack occurred at the residence of Manipur minister Kashim Vashum.
Sharing an image of a damaged vehicle, Hanif wrote that the grenade attack raises serious security concerns in the area. He noted that while there were no casualties, the property damage indicates rising tensions, questioning who was behind the attack.
Fact Check
To verify the authenticity of the viral image, we conducted a reverse image search and found the picture in reports from “The Free Press Journal” and “Times Now.” These reports clarified that the image depicts a road accident involving an army vehicle in the Manjakot area of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Indian Army, the accident occurred while soldiers were en route to an anti-terrorism operation, resulting in the death of Lance Naik Baljit Singh.
False Claims About Missile Tests by DRDO and Indian Navy
Source: X
Atban Hanif also spread misinformation regarding a missile test conducted by the Indian Navy and DRDO, claiming that it was unsuccessful. However, this assertion is inaccurate.
In a post sharing a video of the missile test, Hanif alleged that the missile failed to hit its target and instead crashed. He suggested that it might be time to reconsider the strategy or seek successful models elsewhere.
Fact Check
To investigate the viral claim, we analyzed the video reporting on the missile test conducted by DRDO and the Indian Navy. Our review included reports from “The Economic Times” and India News, which confirmed that the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of Odisha at around 3 PM on September 12. This flight test involved engaging a low-flying, high-speed aerial target using a land-based vertical launcher. The weapon system effectively tracked and hit the target during the test.
Atban Hanif’s Anti-India Narrative
Atban Hanif has constructed an anti-India narrative that aligns with Pakistan’s agenda. He distorts news related to Kashmir, human rights, and the security of Muslims to target India. His approach heavily relies on spreading false information to support his anti-India rhetoric.
Pakistani Agenda on Kashmir Issues
Hanif systematically promotes the Pakistani agenda concerning Kashmir, often targeting the Indian Army, which works to ensure the safety of Kashmiris. His misleading claims highlight instability, insecurity, and human rights violations in the region. In reality, India is working to restore democracy in Kashmir by combating terrorism linked to Pakistan. Recently, Hanif has focused on the assembly elections taking place in Kashmir.
Moreover, Hanif actively interferes in India’s internal matters, involving himself in political, economic, and foreign policy discussions. He distorts news related to India to damage its image, exaggerating minor issues that bear little relation to the truth.
Conclusion
Atban Hanif is a Pakistani influencer aiming to sway opinions on matters concerning India. Along with his team, he has initiated a digital campaign against India that distorts various issues, presenting them in a way that fosters a negative narrative about the country. This strategy is designed to help Pakistan undermine India’s position on the global stage.
