This article breaks down Pakistan’s claims and debunks the disinformation circulating online. (Image: AFP)
| Published May 10, 2025
As India continues to repel Pakistan’s back-to-back drone and missile attacks, pro-Islamabad accounts flooded social media with doctored videos, false claims, and old war footage, sparking a full-blown digital disinformation offensive.
Operation Sindoor: A Battle Beyond Borders
In May 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, prompting a swift military response dubbed “Operation Sindoor.” This operation targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, aiming to dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
However, the conflict extended beyond physical confrontations. A significant information war unfolded, with Pakistani media and pro-Pakistan social media accounts disseminating misleading narratives. Claims included the downing of Indian drones and jets, and assertions that Indian strikes resulted in civilian casualties. India’s official fact-checking agency debunked many of these claims, revealing that some circulated videos were outdated or unrelated, including footage from video games presented as real attacks.
In response to the misinformation, India emphasized transparency by releasing time-stamped images and videos showcasing the precision of their strikes and the undamaged state of their military installations. This move aimed to counteract false narratives and maintain credibility on the international stage.
Pros and Cons of Operation Sindoor and the Information War
Pros:
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Swift Military Response: India’s rapid action demonstrated its readiness and resolve against terrorism, sending a clear message to hostile groups.
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Precision Targeting: India emphasized that its strikes were focused on terrorist infrastructure, avoiding civilian areas.
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Transparency: India countered misinformation with time-stamped images and official statements, maintaining credibility.
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Digital Counter-Narrative: India effectively used social media and official channels to debunk false claims, protecting its image.
Cons:
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Escalation Risk: Military strikes could increase tensions between India and Pakistan, raising the possibility of a larger conflict.
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Misinformation Spread: Despite India’s efforts, misleading videos and claims reached a wide audience, creating confusion.
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Diplomatic Fallout: The operation may strain diplomatic relations with countries seeking a peaceful resolution.
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Civilian Panic: Even without direct strikes on civilian areas, the conflict stirred fear among residents near the border.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor was not just a military action but also a battle in the information domain. While India focused on transparency and accurate reporting, Pakistani media spread false narratives, attempting to mislead the public. India’s prompt fact-checking and evidence-backed responses exposed the misinformation, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and credible news sources in an age of digital deception. The incident serves as a reminder that truth is often the first casualty of conflict, making vigilance essential in separating fact from fiction.
SOURCES: NDTV – Pak’s Disinformation Campaign Continues, How Their Media Is Twisting Truth
INDIA TODAY – Pak fires missiles by night, fake videos by day in coordinated social media war
DD NEWS – Operation Sindoor: How Pakistani media is twisting the truth
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