On May 7, 2025, social media platforms were abuzz with claims from "pro-Pakistan handles" alleging that the Pakistan Air Force had targeted the Srinagar airbase and that they had successfully shot down an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet. However, these claims have been debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check, which highlighted the spread of misinformation amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a response to these allegations, the Indian armed forces confirmed that they had launched missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur, which is recognized as a stronghold of the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. This operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor', was initiated as retaliation for a terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam last month, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists.
PIB Fact Check took to social media to clarify the situation, stating, "An old image showing a crashed aircraft is being re-circulated by pro-Pakistan handles in various forms in the current context of #OperationSindoor #PIBFactcheck. The image is from an earlier incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet that crashed in Barmer, Rajasthan, in September 2024." This assertion was supported by the fact that the image in question had no relation to recent events and was simply being misused to fuel propaganda.
Furthermore, PIB dismissed claims regarding the attack on the Srinagar airbase, clarifying that a video shared by various pro-Pakistan accounts was not from India but rather from sectarian clashes that took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in 2024. The PIB urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information and to rely on official Government of India sources for accurate updates.
The ongoing propaganda war between India and Pakistan has intensified following India's military actions against militant outfits. The misinformation campaign aims to create panic and undermine the morale of Indian security forces. Following the military strikes, claims emerged from pro-Pakistan social media that an IAF MiG-29 had been shot down, but PIB Fact Check clarified that the visuals circulating were from a previous accident involving the aircraft.
In 2024, during a routine night training mission in the Barmer sector, an IAF MiG-29 experienced a critical technical snag, prompting the pilot to eject safely without any loss of life or property. Despite the ongoing tension, India has maintained that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted in their recent operations, which were described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature."
Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistani media outlets reported that their military had launched missiles against 15 locations in India, further escalating the narrative of conflict. Additionally, Samaa TV, a major Pakistani news channel, claimed that India had "hoisted a white flag to accept defeat" at the Chora Complex along the Line of Control. However, this claim was made without any substantial evidence or corroboration.
As the situation continues to evolve, both nations remain embroiled in a complex web of misinformation and military posturing. The claims from both sides reflect the ongoing hostilities and the deep-seated tensions that have historically characterized India-Pakistan relations.
In this context, the importance of fact-checking and responsible reporting becomes paramount. The PIB's efforts to debunk false narratives highlight the need for accurate information dissemination, especially in an era where social media can rapidly amplify misinformation.
As the international community watches closely, the actions and responses of both India and Pakistan will be scrutinized. The stakes are high, as military actions can have far-reaching consequences not only for the two countries involved but also for regional stability.
In conclusion, the recent claims regarding the shooting down of an IAF MiG-29 and attacks on the Srinagar airbase have been categorically denied by official sources. The ongoing misinformation campaign appears to be a tactic employed by certain factions to sway public opinion and create a narrative of conflict. As tensions simmer, the focus will remain on how both countries navigate this fraught landscape.
