Badge of Honour

The Nation

Published Date: May 13, 2026

Published On: The Nation

It would not have been long before Israel’s malevolent stare fell on Pakistan, much like the evil eye from Lord of the Rings. Pakistan has played a stabilising role in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and, through diplomacy on both sides, helped keep the Arabs from going to war with the Iranians, as Israel has long plotted they should.

Now, a media smear campaign has started against Pakistan, led by the usual Israel-aligned suspects. CBS News has run a misleading and sensationalised report about the alleged presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase, with timing that fits too neatly with Netanyahu’s comments and the ever-loyal amplification of figures such as Lindsey Graham. The purpose is obvious: to cast suspicion on Pakistan’s role, undermine its diplomacy and prepare the ground for pressure against a country that has refused to act as a silent spectator.

A peek behind the curtains makes things clear. CBS is now run by Bari Weiss, a close associate of the Israeli government. It is owned by Larry Ellison, an American Jewish billionaire working with US intelligence agencies, a major donor to the IDF and a Netanyahu ally, who recently bought TikTok in the USA to completely censor it of Palestinian voices and mentions of Epstein.

This is Israel-aligned media power manufacturing suspicion against a country refusing to bow before its regional agenda.

Pakistan should know that it may be the next target, if it is not already being targeted in other ways. The smear campaign is not random. It is part of the same machinery that attacks any state refusing to fall in line with Israel’s preferred regional order.

Pakistan must prepare diplomatically, politically and strategically. It should brief friendly capitals, expose false narratives, maintain transparency and push back hard against hostile propaganda. At the same time, Israeli opposition should be worn as a badge of honour. It shows that Pakistan, by supporting dialogue, de-escalation, and the rights of Palestinians, is standing on the right side of history.