New Delhi [India], May 10: Amid the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) has stepped in to counter an escalating misinformation campaign launched by Pakistani social media accounts.
In a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), the PIB Fact-Check Unit addressed viral claims falsely asserting that the Bathinda Airfield had been destroyed in Pakistani attacks. The bureau categorically debunked these claims, stating that the airfield is completely undamaged and remains fully operational.
“Posts are being artificially spread, claiming that the Bathinda Airfield has been destroyed! The Bathinda Airfield is fully operational and there is no damage whatsoever. Don’t fall for misinformation. Stay informed, stay alert,” read the official post.
These fact-checks come as Pakistan intensifies its disinformation offensive, allegedly in response to India’s precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor.
Officials in New Delhi have condemned what they describe as a coordinated digital smear campaign by Pakistan. According to defence spokesperson Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Pakistan has fabricated stories of destruction targeting key Indian defence installations including:
- S-400 system at Adhampur
- Airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa
- BrahMos space infrastructure at Nagrota
- Artillery positions in Dehrangyari and Chandigarh
Wing Commander Singh, during a joint press conference by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs, stressed that these claims are entirely baseless and reflect a broader strategy of psychological warfare aimed at undermining Indian morale and credibility.
“India unequivocally rejects these false narratives, which are part of a broader strategy to instil fear among the public and to mask Pakistan’s own military setbacks,” Singh said.
Experts believe this surge in fake news reflects Pakistan’s desperation to deflect attention from its internal challenges and mounting international scrutiny over state-sponsored terrorism.
Cybersecurity analysts and intelligence agencies have flagged increased activity by Pakistan-based troll networks, involving the recycling of outdated images, editing of old videos, and fabrication of events to flood digital platforms and sow confusion.
The Indian government has urged citizens and media outlets to rely on official sources, remain vigilant against manipulated content, and not fall prey to psychological operations being carried out in the digital space.