Pakistani military misinformation during 2025 conflict with India

During the 2025 flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan and its armed forces were reported to have disseminated several pieces of false information, doctored media, and unverified claims. These actions were widely condemned by Indian authorities, fact-checked by international media, and rebutted with documented evidence by India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) and other government agencies.

This article outlines some of the key instances of disinformation in a chronological format, based on verifiable reports from reputable sources.

Pattern of misinformation

Analysts and former diplomats pointed out that the disinformation during the 2025 conflict fits into a larger historical pattern by Pakistan. Former Indian Ambassador D. B. Venkatesh Varma noted that Pakistan has a “history of lies and misinformation”, citing examples from past incidents such as the Pahalgam attack.

Disinformation techniques used

According to multiple media investigations and government reports, the Pakistani establishment deployed a wide range of disinformation tactics, including:

• Deepfakes and AI-generated content
• Recycled and edited old footage
• Manipulated news clips
• Misuse of Indian broadcast content
• False social media narratives targeting Indian audiences

These efforts were documented by the Press Information Bureau, NewsOnAir, and Times Now, which released analyses showing at least six verifiable instances of disinformation that could not be substantiated by independent observers or international media.

Notable disinformation episodes

Fabricated video of missile strike

On 10 May 2025, Pakistan’s military public relations unit (ISPR) released a video during an official press briefing, claiming to show successful missile strikes on Indian military positions. However, the footage was later exposed as doctored.

India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-check division revealed that the video included edited clips from India TV, which had originally aired a simulated graphic in a news segment unrelated to any actual strike.

Doctored images circulated on digital platforms

Pakistan’s official digital channels began circulating manipulated images allegedly showing damage inflicted on Indian military infrastructure. The PIB’s fact-check portal and Indian digital media analysts highlighted that the visuals were either from archival footage, video games, or misattributed images from natural disasters in unrelated countries.

Prime Minister's false address to the nation

In a nationally televised speech on 12 May, the Prime Minister of Pakistan claimed that Pakistan had “neutralized multiple Indian launchpads” and had “captured Indian soldiers.” The Indian government refuted these claims, stating that no Indian soldiers were missing and that no such strikes occurred. The Indian Ministry of Defence categorized the claims as part of a systematic disinformation campaign.

Indian government's response

The Indian government, through its official communication arms, launched a counter-offensive aimed at debunking misinformation in real-time, particularly through the PIB Fact Check handle on social media. Statements from India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence focused on providing verified data, satellite imagery, and on-ground assessments to counter Pakistan’s claims.

India’s official position, reiterated multiple times in media briefings, accused Pakistan of attempting to mislead its own population and the international community as a diversion from domestic issues and internal unrest.