On May 10, 2025, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India issued a firm rebuttal to misinformation circulating on social media regarding the alleged capture of Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Shivani Singh by Pakistani forces. This claim, propagated by pro-Pakistan social media accounts, was categorically declared false by defense sources, who confirmed that Singh is safe and secure.
The PIB emphasized the importance of relying on verified information, urging citizens to disregard rumors and misinformation that could spread confusion and panic during a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. "Indian Female Air Force pilot has NOT been captured. Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan. #PIBFactCheck ❌ This claim is FAKE!" the PIB Fact Check unit stated on their official account.
The false narrative surrounding Singh's supposed capture is part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at undermining morale and creating psychological warfare amid ongoing military tensions. The PIB has previously addressed similar false claims, emphasizing that such misinformation poses a threat to national security and public unity.
In addition to the misinformation about Singh, the PIB has also debunked several other claims circulating on social media. One notable falsehood involved reports that Indian soldiers were crying and abandoning their posts due to the intensifying conflict with Pakistan. This claim was dismissed as an old video of students from a private defense coaching institute celebrating their selection into the Indian Army, which had been misrepresented.
Another claim that gained traction was that Al Jazeera had reported multiple explosions around Srinagar airport in Jammu and Kashmir. The PIB clarified that this report was also false, reiterating the necessity of consulting official sources for accurate information.
On the issue of safety at Jaipur Airport, the PIB confirmed that the airport was secure, countering claims of explosions that had circulated online. The Bureau also addressed rumors about a cyber attack by Pakistan, stating that such claims were unfounded and aimed at inciting fear among the populace.
As misinformation continues to spread rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), the PIB has repeatedly warned the public to verify any claims before sharing or believing them. This is especially crucial during times of conflict, where false narratives can exacerbate tensions and create unnecessary panic.
In light of these developments, the Indian government has called for vigilance among citizens, urging them to rely solely on official communications from the PIB and other credible sources. The PIB's proactive measures in fact-checking and clarifying misinformation aim to maintain public trust and ensure that citizens are not misled by malicious propaganda.
In summary, the PIB's recent actions highlight the critical role of accurate information dissemination during times of conflict. As the situation between India and Pakistan remains tense, it is essential for the public to remain informed through reliable channels and to be cautious of the misinformation that can spread rapidly across social media.
