Pak launches disinformation campaign targeting Sikh soldiers, Khalistanis join in
Sensing imminent punitive action over the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has launched a massive online disinformation operation to spread confusion and sow communal discord among the Indian armed forces, specifically targeting Sikh soldiers.Since India announced a series of diplomatic measures against Pakistan on April 24, hundreds of Pakistani social media accounts have been circulating concocted stories about developments within the Indian Army. The latest in a series of fake claims is a rebellion by Sikh soldiers against the Indian government.advertisementOn X, Pakistani accounts have used unrelated, old, and doctored videos, fake advisories and AI-generated media to back their false claims.
One such viral claim cites a "leaked" advisory from Indian military intelligence, cautioning about the deployment of Sikh personnel on sensitive duties. "This is the actual state of affairs in the Indian Army. How will it fight a war when its soldiers suspect fellow comrades?" read a post accompanying a photo of the alleged advisory.Another post carries a fabricated newspaper by the name 'India Aj Tak' to mislead readers into believing its legitimacy. The fake story claims, 'Internal clash leaves five soldiers dead, high-ranking Sikh officer arrested', a deliberate attempt to stoke division.AI VIDEOS, FAKE CLASHES, PRO-KHALISTAN AMPLIFICATIONA Pakistani misinformation operative, with an account named @DhamakaAI, shared an AI-generated video showing Indian soldiers allegedly refusing to fight and instead demanding a referendum for Khalistan. "Modi gets a major shock as rebellion brews within the Indian Army! Sikh units refuse to fight," read its caption.
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Several pro-Khalistani accounts have joined the disinformation push, spreading divisive agendas and hatred against Hindus.The fake claims eventually made their way into mainstream Pakistani media. News portals like Samaa TV and Dunya News TV, falsely reported that two Indian Army units had opened fire on each other at the Line of Control (LoC) on April 25, allegedly killing five Sikh soldiers.Pakistan's disinformation agents widely circulated a video of separatist Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in which he called on the Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army not to fight for the country if India goes to war with Pakistan.The Pakistan-backed group openly supports Pakistan by offering USD 11 million to spy on Indian Air Force bases.Most of the accounts spreading disinformation are either linked to Pakistan or affiliated with Khalistani groups. While several of these handles have already been banned in India, their anti-India propaganda continues. These operatives are no longer just targeting Indian audiences, but are now pushing their narrative to a global stage.PAK SENATOR QUOTES PANNUN IN PARLIAMENT SPEECHThe disinformation campaign gained further traction when Pakistan's Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan made a provocative statement in the country's parliament, claiming Sikh soldiers would not fight against Pakistan due to "religious ties", citing Pannun.advertisementThis statement was widely circulated across social media platforms in Pakistan, further blurring the lines between political rhetoric and psychological warfare.The weaponisation of religion, particularly the targeting of Sikh soldiers with false narratives, is a long-standing tactic in Pakistan's warfare playbook.None of the claims circulated have neither been confirmed by authorities, nor verified by any reputed independent source. In fact, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has routinely denied similar claims in the past as fabricated and malicious.Must Watch
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