A list of Pakistan experts on Afghanistan issues, reportedly issued by the National Security Division, has received criticism for the names included even though some of the names have said they had no idea they were on that list.

Former senator Afrasiab Khattak tweeted Thursday afternoon a screenshot of what looked like a notification though it had no date and did not show who it was addressed to so it's unclear who it was intended for. However, it did list nine names of Pakistanis it identified as "experts that may be utilized for engagement with foreign media outlets viz a viz Afghanistan as shared by the National Security Division."

It also says "These experts may be contacted with local media for maximum dissemination for Pakistan's narrative on Afghanistan."

The names include journalists, writers, diplomats and academics.

It's the inclusion of the names, or rather exclusion of names, that drew ire on Twitter the more this list was circulated.

Fahd Hussain, resident editor of Dawn, however, tweeted that he had no idea how his name was on that list and asked for it to be removed.

The academic Rabia Akhtar, whose name is also on the list, and director of the Center for Security, Strategy & Policy Research in Lahore, expressed her surprise at being included on the list.

Ejaz Haider too tweeted his disbelief about being included in the list without his knowledge and wondered if the list is a hoax.

Many are wondering if the list is a cruel joke.