KARACHI: Reports by Indian media claiming the downing of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet have been categorically dismissed as “blatant lies and fake news” by security sources in Pakistan. Officials described these assertions as a desperate attempt by Indian leadership to mask their failure following the loss of dozens of Israeli-origin Harop drones shot down by Pakistan.
Security sources said the Indian disinformation campaign was a reflection of the confusion and strategic paralysis gripping New Delhi after its drone debacle. “In a state of panic, India is fabricating attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to justify potential future aggression,” one official stated.
Analysts have drawn parallels to the 2019 Balakot episode, when India similarly propagated false narratives during Operation Swift Retort. At the time, Pakistan shot down two Indian jets, capturing Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. India, despite lacking evidence, claimed he had downed a PAF F-16 before being shot down himself—an assertion later refuted by a Foreign Policy report citing U.S. defense officials who verified that no Pakistani F-16s were missing.
Despite the contradiction, India awarded Abhinandan the Vir Chakra, its third-highest wartime military honor—fueling skepticism about the narrative’s credibility.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has also firmly rejected what it calls “baseless and politically motivated propaganda” from Indian media outlets, dismissing reports of Pakistani attacks on Jaisalmer, Pathankot, and Srinagar. The spokesperson condemned India’s continued pattern of unverified accusations as a dangerous strategy aimed at destabilizing the region.
“These reckless claims threaten regional peace and reveal India’s disturbing willingness to exploit misinformation for political and military gain,” the spokesperson said. “Pakistan remains committed to peace but will respond resolutely to any act of aggression.”
The government called on the international community to take serious note of India’s actions and urged New Delhi to act with restraint and responsibility.
