Pakistan's psychological warfare debunked: PIB busts coordinated lies aimed at instilling fear in India (Watch)

PIB has actively debunked a series of coordinated disinformation efforts aimed at creating panic in India amid rising tensions with Pakistan. The fact-check unit exposed false claims ranging from fake drone attacks to fabricated military actions.

New Delhi: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has intensified its efforts to counter a surge in misinformation and psychological warfare targeting Indian citizens amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan. A total of seven misleading videos were fact-checked and debunked by PIB between 10:00 PM on May 8 and 6:30 AM on May 9, 2025.

According to PIB, a coordinated disinformation campaign has been launched by various social media accounts and segments of the mainstream media in Pakistan, aimed at spreading panic and confusion within India. In some instances, even Indian media platforms and social media users have inadvertently amplified these falsehoods.

Key misleading claims debunked by PIB

Drone attack in Jalandhar

A video claiming to show a drone attack in Jalandhar was widely circulated on social media, aiming to create panic among the public. However, upon investigation, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) found that the video actually depicted a farm fire unrelated to any drone activity. Notably, the timestamp on the video showed 7:39 PM, while the reported drone incident occurred later. This clarification was also confirmed by the Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar.

PIB Fact check link 

Fake video of Indian post being destroyed

A fake video circulating online falsely claimed that an Indian Army post had been destroyed by the Pakistani Army. The video was widely shared by several fake and unverified accounts. Upon investigation, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed the claim to be entirely false and staged. Notably, the video referenced a non-existent unit, the “20 Raj Battalion,” which does not exist in the Indian Army. PIB identified the video as part of a coordinated propaganda effort intended to mislead the public.

PIB Fact check link

Missile attack from Pakistan

An old video was circulated on social media with the false claim that Pakistan had launched a missile attack on India in retaliation. However, a fact-check by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) revealed that the video was actually from the 2020 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. PIB debunked the misinformation and confirmed that the video had no connection to current events.  The link debunking the same is provided.

PIB Fact check link

Fidayeen attack in Rajouri

Widespread claims on social media alleged a fidayeen (suicide) attack on an Army brigade in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. However, after thorough verification, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that no such attack had taken place on any army cantonment. The false information was intended to mislead the public and create confusion. The video promoting the claim was flagged accordingly.

PIB Fact check link

Fake letter from Army chief

A document circulating online claimed that Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Gen. V.K. Narayan had issued a confidential letter on military preparedness to an officer of the Northern Command. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked the claim and confirmed it to be entirely false, clarifying that Gen. V.K. Narayan is not the CoAS. The letter was deemed completely fake and part of a misinformation campaign.

PIB Fact check link

False attack on Amritsar by Ambala Airbase

A social media post falsely alleged that the Indian military used the Ambala Airbase to launch an attack on Amritsar and its own citizens. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) investigated the claim and found it to be entirely baseless and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign. In response, PIB shared a detailed press release from the Ministry of Defence, presenting the accurate facts and exposing the false narrative.The link for the press release is provided: 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2127670

PIB Fact check link

Fake airport entry ban

A social media post falsely claimed that entry bans had been imposed at airports across India. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) debunked the claim, confirming that no such decision had been made by the government. The misleading post was flagged as part of ongoing efforts to counter false narratives.

PIB Fact check link

PIB continues to actively debunk fake news and misinformation, playing a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s interests and upholding its sovereignty.