ISLAMABAD: Security sources on Thursday dismissed Indian media claims of downing a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet as "a blatant lie and fake news", branding the reports a reflection of India’s growing disorientation following recent military setbacks.
The reports, widely circulated by Indian outlets, come in the wake of India’s failed Harop drone incursions, in which over 70 Israeli-made drones were intercepted and destroyed by Pakistani forces. “India has become increasingly disoriented after its drone failures,” said a senior Pakistani security official. “These false claims are a manifestation of panic and confusion among Indian decision-makers.”
The sources added that Indian media’s fabrication of alleged Pakistani attacks in areas like Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) appears to be an attempt to manufacture justification for future military aggression. “It’s a desperate effort to create a pretext for escalation,” one official noted.
Analysts have drawn parallels with the 2019 post-Balakot disinformation campaign, when India claimed that its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, had shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own MiG-21 was downed and he was captured by Pakistani forces. Pakistan consistently denied the claim, and a subsequent report by Foreign Policy, citing U.S. defense officials, confirmed that all PAF F-16s were accounted for — exposing India’s narrative as false.
Despite this, the Indian government awarded Abhinandan the Vir Chakra, a wartime gallantry medal, further fueling accusations of state-backed misinformation.
In a separate statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) also strongly rejected Indian media allegations of Pakistani attacks in Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar, calling them “baseless, irresponsible, and politically motivated”.
“The repeated pattern of unfounded accusations is a calculated move to create chaos and justify aggression,” the FO spokesperson stated. “Such dangerous propaganda undermines regional peace and stability.”
Urging the international community to take notice, the FO reiterated that Pakistan will not be provoked. “Pakistan remains committed to peace but will respond decisively to any act of aggression. Our sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.”
