Al-Mersad Media publishes new book to counter ISKP propaganda
“Al-Mersad,” a pro-Afghan Taliban media outlet, has published a collection of short essays under the title Fikri Soghat (Intellectual Gift), aimed at countering anti-Taliban propaganda disseminated by the so-called Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), while simultaneously reinforcing the narratives surrounding the Taliban’s domestic and foreign policies.
The 9-pages volume represents the third edition in the Fikri Soghat series and contains 37 articles. It has been released in multiple languages, including English, Urdu, Pashto, and Persian, through the official websites of Al-Mersad. The articles are authored by various contributors and were published by Al-Mersad over the past few months.
The central objective of most articles in this volume is to defend the Taliban government’s internal and external policies in order to neutralize the ideological influence and propaganda of ISKP. While the articles do not explicitly reference ISKP’s anti-Taliban messaging, the arguments presented are structured in such a way that readers familiar with ISKP’s discourse can recognize how Al-Mersad seeks to methodically refute it. Additionally, the publication includes brief biographies to commemorate Taliban fighters who were killed in combat against ISKP.
Another key aim of the book is to raise awareness among Taliban supporters regarding the perceived deviant nature of ISKP and to assert that opposing the group constitutes a religious obligation. The content highlights the threats and damages ISKP poses to both Islam and Afghanistan.
Beyond the focus on ISKP, the articles also respond to narratives disseminated by Pakistani state aligned media outlets that have been critical of the Taliban government. These writings were primarily composed in reaction to the growing tensions between the two countries in recent years, during which certain Pakistani media platforms directed accusations and criticism toward the Taliban. The volume also includes information concerning alleged ISKP sanctuaries and networks operating within Pakistan.
