Missiles by Night, Misinformation by Day: Pakistan’s Two-Front Offensive

MGMMTeam
May 11
2 min read

Despite the onslaught of drones, missiles, and ceasefire breaches along the western border, Pakistan has resorted to its most subtle weapon: misinformation. In the aftermath of India's precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, the response was not just military retaliation; it was a calculated digital campaign orchestrated by pro-Pakistan social media accounts aimed at distorting the truth and swaying public opinion.

*Pakistan's false claims have consistently been called out by India. | NDTV*

From anonymous accounts to the verified profiles of Pakistani politicians, the machinery of disinformation has been in full swing. Forged videos, altered satellite images, and blatant lies are being rapidly circulated, not only to mislead, but to deflect attention from Islamabad's own actions.

Old Frame, New Context

A widely circulated image suggested that multiple explosions had occurred at the Jammu Air Force Base.

However, PIB Fact Check confirmed that the image is neither recent nor from India. It actually dates back to the Kabul Airport bombing in August 2021 and is being falsely connected to current events to create panic.

Did an Attack Occur at Gujarat Port?

A video circulating online was claimed to show an attack on Hazira Port in Gujarat. Upon verification, it was determined that the footage actually depicted an oil tanker explosion from July 7, 2021.

This video is unrelated to Gujarat or any current military activity and is being spread with the intent to mislead.

False Claims of Drone Strike

A video that purportedly shows a drone attack in Jalandhar has gone viral. However, the PIB Fact Check has verified that the footage actually depicts a farm fire, with a timestamp of 7:39 pm, which predates the reported drone incident. The video is being misrepresented to create unnecessary panic.

Fabricated Video and False Battalion Name

A particularly elaborate fake involves a manipulated video spread by Pakistani accounts, falsely claiming that a Pakistani attack destroyed an Indian Army post supposedly operated by the "20 Raj Battalion."

The PIB Fact Check has thoroughly debunked this claim, revealing it to be completely fabricated. No such battalion exists within the Indian Army, and the video is clearly staged. Authorities have flagged it as part of a deliberate campaign aimed at swaying public opinion.

Deceptive Pakistan, Illegitimate Strike

A particularly concerning allegation claimed that Pakistan had carried out a missile strike on India.

The video cited as evidence for this claim was quickly traced back to footage of the Beirut port explosion in Lebanon from 2020. There is no proof of any missile strike, and the video has been manipulated to promote cross-border propaganda.

India-Pakistan Conflict: An Overview

In a significant escalation, Pakistan's military launched a series of drone and munitions-based attacks along the entire western border on the night of May 8-9. According to officials, the Indian Army successfully repelled the assault, despite Pakistani forces engaging in multiple ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian response, which involved both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, followed established standard operating procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material damage were reported on the Indian side.

(Source: NDTV, India Today)