By Babar Khan

By Khushal Khan Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst, appears increasingly preoccupied with portraying Pakistan as a source of instability in the region. His repeated allegations about Pakistan's alleged covert operations, death squads and activities in Afghanistan raise a fundamental question: Where is the evidence?

Andrew, political analysis is not about presenting suspicions, conspiracy theories and unverified allegations as established facts. If you have credible evidence of these extraordinary claims, present it. Otherwise, repeatedly targeting Pakistan through speculative narratives amounts to a campaign of disinformation that risks misleading regional and international audiences.

Pakistan has paid an enormous price for terrorism. Nearly 100,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives in terrorist violence over the years, while more than 3,000 Pakistanis have reportedly been killed in terrorist attacks during this year alone. Many of these attacks have been linked to militant organisations operating from Afghan territory.

Yet, where is Andrew Korybko's equally strong condemnation of these terrorist organisations and their attacks against innocent Pakistani civilians and security personnel? Why does he repeatedly portray these groups merely as actors fighting against Pakistan while showing little interest in the human cost of terrorism inflicted on Pakistan?

This selective approach raises serious questions about the credibility and impartiality of his analysis. Pakistan's security concerns cannot simply be dismissed, nor can terrorist organisations be politically sanitised through convenient narratives.

More concerning is his repeated attempt to create suspicions about Pakistan-Russia relations, including claims and warnings that Moscow could arm the Afghan Taliban against Pakistan. At a time when Islamabad and Moscow are steadily improving relations across multiple sectors, such narratives are particularly irresponsible.

Pakistan and Russia have expanded military cooperation, including joint military exercises, and strengthened engagement in economic, energy and diplomatic fields. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to visit Moscow, reflecting the importance both countries attach to their bilateral relationship.

Against this backdrop, the timing of Andrew's repeated anti-Pakistan narratives deserves scrutiny. Why is he constantly promoting the possibility of a confrontation between Russia and Pakistan precisely when both governments are working to strengthen their partnership? On whose instructions is he conducting this campaign, and whose interests does it serve?

These are legitimate questions that Pakistanis have every right to ask. The Russian government and the Russian Embassy in Islamabad should take serious notice of these repeated narratives and examine why an individual operating from Moscow is persistently promoting allegations that could undermine confidence between two friendly countries.

Andrew should understand one fundamental principle: being a political analyst does not give anyone a licence to publish every unauthenticated theory, defame another country or manufacture geopolitical controversies simply because they disagree with its policies.

If he has evidence, he should make it public. If he does not, he should stop presenting speculation as fact and make an apology to the Pakistani people.

Pakistan deserves answers, not propaganda. And Russia-Pakistan relations should not become a target of an individual's unsubstantiated political narratives.

• Babar Khan is a political analyst based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or views of The South Asia Times (TSAT).