Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a senior official of the Pakistan Army has backtracked on Islamabad’s earlier claim that it had captured an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot during the recent 100-hour military action between the two countries. The climbdown follows a stern and detailed briefing by India, dispelling rumours and exposing the false narrative propagated on social media.
Pakistan’s Reversal and Admission of Fake News
Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan, clarified during a press briefing that no Indian pilot was in their custody. Addressing the rampant misinformation circulating online, Chaudhry stated, “I can confirm that we don’t have any (Indian) pilots in custody. This is all part of social media chatter and part of fake news and propaganda generated from multiple sources.”
The reversal came after the Indian Air Force categorically denied any such capture and confirmed that all its pilots involved in ‘Operation Sindoor’ had safely returned. Air Marshal AK Bharti, while addressing the media on Sunday (May 11), stated, “We are in a combat scenario, and losses are part of combat. However, we have achieved all our objectives, and all our pilots are back home.”
Chaudhry’s statement not only marked a retraction but also exposed the internal contradictions within Pakistan’s own communication strategy, as he acknowledged the misinformation that had gained traction on social media.
PIB Fact-Checks the False Narrative
The controversy started when unverified claims circulated on social media suggesting that a female Indian Air Force pilot, identified as Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, had been captured by Pakistan. Reacting swiftly to the fake news, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India conducted a fact-check and issued a clarification on Saturday.
The PIB stated, “Indian Female Air Force pilot has NOT been captured. Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan. This claim is FAKE!” The agency also dismissed a separate claim that an Indian pilot had ejected from a fighter aircraft over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), labelling it as baseless.
Indian Female Air Force pilot has NOT been captured🚨
Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan.#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is FAKE!#IndiaFightsPropaganda@MIB_India… pic.twitter.com/V8zovpSRYk
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025
Organiser compiled a list of 40 pieces of fake news peddled by Pakistan-based handles against India during Operation Sindoor; readers can find the details here.
A senior Indian official stated, “Following India’s decisive action under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has launched a full-scale disinformation offensive — a desperate attempt to control the narrative by spreading lies and confusion.”
Operation Sindoor: India Asserts Its Success
The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes as part of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ targeting strategic locations in Pakistan. The mission, which lasted 100 hours, was aimed at neutralising threats while maintaining air superiority. Air Marshal Bharti asserted that the mission’s objectives were met without any loss of Indian personnel.
He further mentioned that while Pakistani aircraft attempted to breach Indian airspace, they were effectively thwarted. “We have downed a few Pakistani planes,” Bharti stated, but refrained from specifying the number, citing ongoing technical assessments. “Pakistani aircraft were prevented from entering Indian airspace, so we don’t have wreckage, but we are certain of the hits,” he added.
Social Media as a Battleground
The entire episode once again highlights the role of social media in disseminating unverified information during cross-border military engagements. Indian authorities have repeatedly urged caution against sharing unverified news, especially during heightened tensions.
Experts point out that misinformation campaigns are not uncommon in conflict scenarios, often aimed at boosting morale or creating confusion. However, in this instance, Pakistan’s official statement has put an end to speculation, confirming that the purported capture of an Indian pilot was entirely false.
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