A RAW linked woman agent who masked herself as Dubai-based public relations representative approached investigative journalist Fakhar Durrani via social media under the cover of different pseudonyms with a secret intent to promote anti-Pakistan narratives and obtain sensitive, unpublished information.
During an exclusive interview with Pakistan Connect, Durrani revealed he was first contacted on November 19, 2025, by a woman using a pseudonym Rida Qureshi on Facebook. She revealed herself as a representative of Dubai-based Matrix Consultancy and initially approached him with lucrative offers to draft articles which could support and back the narratives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Durrani said he became doubtful when the demanded articles wanted to target the Pakistan Army, Pakistan-China relations and Balochistan, while promoting narratives which could justify Afghan Taliban regime. He added that the demand later turned from publishing articles to seeking access to non-public information, including videos and photographs related to clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
According to Durrani, the network insisted on making him payments through cryptocurrency, claiming it was a secure method that could not be traced. He also said that the woman told him that several Pakistani journalists were already working with the network but refused to disclose their names or provide any supporting information. Durrani said that he was unable to independently verify those claims.
After publishing his investigation, Durrani said he sent the woman a link to the story, telling her she had “picked the wrong journalist.” He claimed she briefly responded with “Ohhh, good for you.” before blocking him on WhatsApp and Facebook.
The journalist said the woman used the cover name “Rida Qureshi” on Facebook and “Helena” on WhatsApp, but he believes both identities were fake.
When asked by Pakistan connect whether he or his family received any threats after he exposed the plot, Durrani said he has not received any direct threat so far since publishing the investigation. However, senior management at his organisation and some government officials have suggested him to be careful about his own and family’s safety.
Also Read: Fakhar Durrani shares more evidence of conversation with RAW agent
