KARACHI: Indian media’s recent claim that a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet was shot down has been categorically dismissed by Pakistani security sources as “blatant lies and fake news.” These reports, according to the sources, are a manifestation of confusion and disarray within the Indian decision-making circles following their unsuccessful drone incursions.
India’s recent failure with Harop drones, which were intercepted and destroyed by the Pakistan Army, led to a heightened state of panic. In retaliation, Indian media spread baseless claims about Pakistani missile attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to justify further military escalation. This resembles the false narratives propagated after the 2019 aerial skirmish when India falsely claimed to have shot down a Pakistani F-16.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan also strongly rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated and a part of India’s ongoing disinformation campaign. The spokesperson emphasized that such accusations endanger regional peace and undermine international efforts for stability.
Pakistan maintains that it will not be deterred by these fabrications and will defend its sovereignty with full resolve, warning that any escalation based on false claims will be met with a strong response.
