Is Pakistan's Disinformation Campaign Targeting India? Gujarat Port Fire and Jalandhar Drone Strike Debunked by PIB

New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) Numerous videos circulating on the social media platform X, which claim to depict attacks by Pakistani forces, have been proven false by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Recently, videos purporting to show assaults on Hazira Port in Gujarat and a drone strike in Jalandhar have been identified as misleading. PIB reported that the video in question is actually an unrelated clip “verified to show an oil tanker explosion.”

The footage dates back to July 7, 2021, according to PIB's Fact Check handle on X.

In reality, the clip captures an oil tanker explosion from July 7, 2021, which Pakistan has erroneously characterized as an attack on the port.

Fact-checkers from PIB confirmed that this video does not relate to the current military circumstances.

This video gained significant attention online, being reshared by numerous unverified accounts, falsely claiming to illustrate an explosion and devastation supposedly caused by a Pakistani strike. However, the misleading material was quickly flagged by PIB's fact-checking team, which is vigilantly overseeing online discussions related to the conflict.

In the early hours of Friday, the PIB fact-checking unit debunked another widely shared video alleging to show the aftermath of a drone attack in Jalandhar. In a post on X, PIB clarified that this video is irrelevant and depicts a fire on a farm.

PIB's tweet stated, “Drone Attack in Jalandhar. This drone strike video from #Jalandhar is widely circulating on social media. #PIBFactCheck This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video was timestamped 7:39 PM, whereas the drone attack occurred later.”

Following India's extensive cross-border strikes against terror bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, a surge of misinformation and false propaganda has emerged from across the border, propagated by influencers, media, and government-affiliated social media accounts.

Since India's military operations against terror infrastructures commenced on May 7, PIB has already exposed numerous such videos.

PIB has urged the public to exercise vigilance and verify information before disseminating it online.

“In times of heightened national security, misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and confusion. Always rely on official sources for updates,” a PIB spokesperson emphasized.

The government has reiterated that disinformation campaigns, especially those involving manipulated or unrelated media, threaten not only public understanding but also national morale.

Officials have consistently warned social media users that sharing false information, whether intentionally or unintentionally, could lead to legal repercussions under India's cyber laws.

As 'Operation Sindoor' advances with Indian Air Force strikes targeting Pakistan's air defense systems, PIB and the Indian Armed Forces continue to underscore the need for verified information.