The Pakistan Army has ordered the evacuation of several villages in Punjab, including Kasur, Bahawalnagar, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, and Narwal, in response to escalating tensions in the region. Reports indicate that a complete blackout has been enforced in army zones, raising concerns about the potential for military action in the area.
Simultaneously, a video from 2022 showing an accidental fire at a military depot in Sialkot is being circulated on social media with false claims that it depicts an Indian military strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This misinformation comes amidst rising diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which occurred on April 22, 2025.
The viral video, shared by social media user 'Sanatan Dharma', claims that the Indian Army destroyed a Pakistani Army weapons depot located in Lipa Valley of PoK. However, a fact-check reveals that the video has been online since March 2022 and depicts an explosion related to an accidental fire that occurred at the Sialkot military depot, not a recent military operation.
India has indeed conducted air strikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including a Nepali citizen. In the aftermath, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was held on April 23, 2025, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the government decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty. This decision has prompted Pakistan to warn of suspending the Shimla Agreement, a historic accord signed between the two nations in 1972.
On May 7, 2025, just 15 days after the Pahalgam terror attack, India executed air strikes under 'Operation Sindoor', targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoK. The strikes reportedly focused on locations such as the Sarjal Camp in Sialkot. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India confirmed these actions, stating that India exercised its right to respond to prevent cross-border terrorism and aimed to neutralize terrorists being sent to India.
Despite the claims circulating on social media, the MEA's statement made no mention of any Pakistani military base being targeted during these operations. This lack of evidence further debunks the viral claims regarding the destruction of a weapons depot.
The accidental fire at the Sialkot military depot, which occurred due to a short circuit, was reported by the Pakistani Army's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the fire was quickly brought under control.
As tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan, the dissemination of misinformation poses a significant risk. The spread of the viral video is a stark reminder of how easily false narratives can gain traction, particularly in times of conflict. Experts urge social media users to verify the authenticity of such claims before sharing them, as misinformation can exacerbate already volatile situations.
In the context of the ongoing tensions, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has reviewed security arrangements in Srinagar, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the region to assess the situation following the Pahalgam attack. These actions underscore the seriousness with which the Indian government is treating the current security landscape.
The Pakistan Army's evacuation order and the blackout in army zones indicate a heightened state of alert in the region. As both countries navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, the potential for further escalation remains a concern for both governments and their citizens.
In summary, the recent developments highlight the delicate balance of power in South Asia. With the threat of terrorism looming large, both nations are on high alert, and the international community watches closely. The need for accurate information and responsible reporting has never been more critical as both nations grapple with the realities of their security challenges.
