Pakistan Arrests ISIS-K Spokesman Sultan Aziz Azzam in Major Blow to Group’s Propaganda Network

Pakistani authorities have arrested Sultan Aziz Azzam, the chief spokesman of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) and founder of its central media arm, the Al-Azaim Foundation, in what security sources describe as a significant setback for the militant group’s propaganda and communications apparatus.

Security officials said Azzam, who played a central role in shaping and disseminating ISIS-K’s ideological messaging, is currently in the custody of Pakistani intelligence agencies. His arrest, confirmed by multiple sources, is seen as a major disruption to the group’s ability to produce coordinated propaganda and recruitment material.

Key Figure in ISIS-K Media Operations

Azzam was regarded as one of ISIS-K’s most influential non-military figures, overseeing the production of official statements, videos, audio messages and multilingual propaganda distributed across digital platforms. Under his leadership, the Al-Azaim Foundation functioned as ISIS-K’s primary media outlet, issuing claims of responsibility and ideological content aimed at both regional and international audiences.

Some intelligence sources said Azzam had been in Pakistani custody for some time, though the reasons for the timing of the public disclosure remain unclear.

Background and Designation

Born in Nangarhar province, eastern Afghanistan, Azzam was a university graduate who previously worked in local governance and media before joining ISIS-K. He entered the group around 2016, coinciding with its expansion in eastern Afghanistan, and later emerged as its chief media strategist.

In November 2021, the United States designated Sultan Aziz Azzam a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), citing his role in directing ISIS-K’s propaganda and information warfare. U.S. authorities said his activities were central to the group’s recruitment and radicalisation efforts.

Intelligence officials said Azzam was arrested in May 2025 while attempting to enter Pakistan, though official details surrounding the operation have not been made public.

Impact on ISIS-K

Counterterrorism officials say Azzam’s detention weakens ISIS-K’s leadership structure and its ability to project influence through media. Recent Pakistani counterterrorism operations have already degraded the group’s operational capacity, leading to the arrest or killing of several senior figures and the disruption of key propaganda platforms, including “Voice of Khorasan.”

While ISIS-K continues to circulate material in some regional languages, analysts note a decline in the group’s coordinated messaging and international outreach.

A Case Study in Modern Extremism

Security analysts say Azzam’s trajectory—from local radio presenter and political adviser to one of ISIS-K’s most prominent propagandists—highlights the growing importance of media expertise in modern militant movements. His case underscores how extremist organisations recruit individuals with professional communication skills to amplify their ideological reach.

Authorities have not indicated whether Pakistan plans to involve the United States or other partners in Azzam’s interrogation.

The arrest comes amid continued regional efforts to curb transnational militant networks operating across Afghanistan and Pakistan, with officials stressing that disrupting propaganda remains as critical as targeting armed cells.