In a development that has further stirred tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad’s claim of shooting down five Indian Air Force jets, including Rafales, during Operation Sindoor has sparked controversy after Pakistan’s defence minister cited social media as the source of proof. The statement has drawn sharp criticism as India carried out targeted airstrikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, killing multiple terrorists.
Controversial statement based on social media
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif, in an interview with CNN, stated that the claims regarding downing Indian jets stemmed entirely from social media reports, including Indian platforms. When pressed for tangible evidence, Asif maintained, “It is all on social media, and Indian social media, not our social media. The debris of the jets fell on their side. It is all over the Indian media.”
The minister’s statement has been widely criticised for lacking credible verification, particularly since Pakistan itself has not presented any concrete proof. The Indian government, through its Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking unit, debunked viral images circulating on Pakistani social media that purportedly showed a downed Rafale jet. The fact-checkers identified the image as an old photograph from a 2021 MiG-21 crash in Punjab’s Moga district, cautioning users against falling for misleading visuals.
India responds with targeted strikes and diplomatic clarity
India on Wednesday launched precise strikes on terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, marking a significant military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The action was described by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh as historic and executed with “precision, precaution, and compassion.”
Following the strike, Pakistan acknowledged the attack and resulting casualties but shifted focus to rhetoric. In another interview with Bloomberg Television, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan was open to de-escalating tensions if India backed down, stating, “We’ll never initiate anything hostile, but if we’re attacked, we’ll respond.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s top security body authorised its military to respond “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing,” signalling a prolonged standoff. However, Pakistan’s repeated emphasis on social media narratives, instead of verified intelligence, has further undermined its credibility internationally, even as it accuses India of escalating the regional conflict.
