- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 15 May 2025 04:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has strongly refuted a wave of misinformation circulating on social media, including viral videos and false reports alleging that Pakistan has launched successful strikes on multiple Indian air bases. The government has confirmed that these claims are baseless and that all Indian airbases mentioned remain fully operational and unharmed.
PIB Fact Check addressed a video aired by 'AIK News' that falsely claimed Pakistan had destroyed the Udhampur Air Base. “This video shows a fire incident at a chemical factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. It’s unrelated to the current India–Pakistan situation,” the agency clarified. The Udhampur base, it affirmed, continues to function normally with no disruption.
Nagrota And Bathinda Airfield Rumours Exposed
Another misleading video, alleging a Pakistani air strike on the Nagrota Air Base, was also debunked. The PIB confirmed that the footage was originally posted on Instagram in October 2024, having no link to any current events.
Widespread social media claims that the Bathinda Airfield had been destroyed were dismissed. “The Bathinda Airfield is FULLY OPERATIONAL and there is NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER,” the Fact Check unit emphasised.
A separate video that supposedly showed a missile strike on New Delhi Airport was also proven to be false. According to PIB Fact Check, the video actually depicts a gas station explosion in Aden, Yemen, that occurred in August 2024.
PIB Warns Of Coordinated Propaganda Effort
The Fact Check unit urged citizens to verify any information through official sources and warned that the spread of such disinformation appears to be a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at creating panic and disturbing communal harmony.
The surge in fake narratives from across the border comes shortly after reports of a successful Indian military strike on Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Punjab province. Following the strike, the Pakistan Air Force shared a fabricated image showing supposed destruction at an Indian base, an attempt to shift focus from its own vulnerabilities.
As per The Indian Express, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) closing the Rahim Yar Khan runway from May 10 to May 18. No official reason was cited, sources suggest the closure was a direct result of the Indian strike.
