As tensions remain high between India and Pakistan following India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, a wave of misinformation and fake news originating from Pakistan has flooded social media in an attempt to spread panic and distort ground realities.
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit has played a key role in countering these narratives, debunking seven major instances of fake news between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. These efforts have been instrumental in maintaining public trust and preventing the spread of fear amid national security concerns.
Among the debunked claims:
- A video falsely depicting a drone attack in Jalandhar was revealed to be footage of a farm fire, completely unrelated to any military activity. The video’s timestamp predated the actual drone incidents, and the claim was refuted by the District Collector of Jalandhar.
- Another viral clip claiming a Pakistani strike on an Indian Army post was identified as staged propaganda, falsely referencing a non-existent “20 Raj Battalion.”
- A widely shared missile attack video was actually from the 2020 Beirut explosion, not a current event in India.
- Rumors of a fidayeen attack on an Army brigade in Rajouri were declared false, with no such attack having occurred.
- A fake letter purportedly from the Chief of the Army Staff, “General VK Narayan,” was exposed as fabricated. The individual named does not hold the position of Army Chief.
- False claims alleging that the Indian military used Ambala Airbase to attack Amritsar civilians were categorically denied.
- Misinformation about entry bans at airports across India was also dismissed, with PIB confirming that no such directive was issued by the government.
The PIB Fact Check Unit’s proactive efforts have exposed coordinated attempts to destabilize public perception and confidence, reaffirming that misinformation during conflict is a strategic threat. The unit continues to encourage citizens to rely on verified sources and avoid amplifying unverified or sensational claims.