Amid several fake videos being circulated after India’s precision military operations under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistani media outlets have circulated unverified claims about Indian fighter jets being shot down. The official Twitter handle of the Government of Pakistan has come under intense criticism after posting combat video game footage, passing it off as real military operations against India. The clip, where a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) fires at some unknown target, was presented as a "timely and nerve-wracking response". The clip was posted alongside a statement from Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who praised the Armed Forces'. He even promised a "befitting reply" to any other "hostile intentions" from New Delhi by posting such fake video clips.

'Fake' Footage Potrayed As Real

But it did not take long for netizens and defense observers to realize that the footage was from ARMA 3. It is a popular military simulation video game created by Bohemia Interactive. With its high-definition visuals and realistic battlefield environment. Screenshots and video comparisons soon flooded social sites, mocking the error and doubting Pakistan's official announcement. Even amid increasing criticism, the video tweet is still live on Pakistan's official handle, and no correction has been sent so far. Though the account has been withheld and unavailable for Indian social media users.

Also read: Did Pakistan Conduct Airstrikes On Amritsar Military Base? PIB Debunks Claims

Pattern of Misinformation Emerging Again

This is not the first instance of Pakistani media or official sources facing criticism for posting deceptive content. Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking team has continuously been checking fabricated news and debunking misinformation from the last few days. The PIB Fact Check Twitter handle on X warned against spreading false information and stated “Combat gaming footages flood social media. Several combat gaming videos are being deceptively circulated as real footages of recent India-Pakistan conflict. Please don’t fall prey to such propaganda posts."

Several videos claiming to show Pak military activites were debunked as either old clips or segments extracted from video games and simulations. The routine inclusion of such fraudulent content has left some wondering if standards of verifying information are adequate in the Pakistani establishment.

Also read: India-Pakistan Conflict Sparks Misinformation Wave; PIB Debunks 'Fidayeen Attack', 'Strike On Gujarat Port' Claims And More