Facts Are Among The First Casualties Of The India-Pakistan War

How sensationalism and warmongering distort truth in TV news media

If you watch TV news channels in India and Pakistan, you may not be wrong to think the real war is not just at the border but it is also being fought inside TV studios. One takes lives; the other twists truth.

In this battle of the guns and the graphics, facts are among the first casualties.

The escalating tension between India and Pakistan have given rise to the warmongering on TV news channels. In the rush to break news, boost TRPs, and stir emotions, many TV news channels have chosen sensationalism over sense. Their focus seems to be more on drama than facts, often at the cost of misinforming the people. 

There have been many incidents where news channels have used unverified, old and unrelated videos while reporting the clashes between India and Pakistan. Oddly enough, footage from a popular military video game was shared by both sides of the border. But it didn’t matter. Why? Because they made for “good TV.”

Studio sets resemble war rooms. Retired generals, loud-mouthed panelists, and so-called “defence experts” are called to add fuel to the fire, talk shows turn into shouting matches. The atmosphere is more like an action movie than a news broadcast.

Multiple Indian media outlets and social media accounts have circulated sensational, unverified claims. For example, it has been claimed that the Indian army completely destroyed Karachi port, India forces captured Pakistani capital Islamabad. 

Some reports went further, falsely alleging that Pakistani army surrendered completely, Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir has been arrested and militant groups had seized control of Quetta.

PHOTO CAPTION – Screenshots of multiple news channels’ reports.

Pakistani media and social media influencers also played a role in spreading fake videos and false claims after India’s “Operation Sindoor.”

Not long after the operation, some Pakistan state-linked accounts shared an image claiming that the Pakistan Army had shot down an Indian Rafale jet near Bahawalpur. But the image was actually from a MiG-21 crash that happened back in 2021. It had nothing to do with the current situation.

In another case, there were claims that the Pakistan Air Force had targeted the Srinagar airbase. That video was also found to be unrelated. It was actually footage from sectarian violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa earlier in 2024.

One more example came from Pakistan’s own minister, Attaullah Tarar. He claimed that the Indian Army had raised a white flag and surrendered at Chora Post. This too was false and had no basis in fact.

These examples show how both media and officials can spread unverified or fake information, which only adds to confusion and tension on both sides.

Effects of Irresponsible Coverage

This kind of coverage is not just irresponsible. It’s dangerous. It creates fear, anger, and confusion. It widens the gap between facts and public opinion. 

Sensationalism might help a channel’s TRP for a few days, but it damages the credibility of journalism in the long run.

Joyojeet Pal, an associate professor at the University of Michigan who studies misinformation has been quoted in Washington Post saying, “The short-term impact is that if the social media discourse gets out of hand, then you have the government being forced to do certain things which it might not otherwise do in typical statecraft, because now blood has to be spilled, and that’s the advantage for extreme elements.” 

Even the government has emphasized the need for vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, reminding everyone to prioritize national security over sensationalism. 

Media organizations have been asked to rely solely on verified information from authorized sources.

Failure to comply may attract legal action under relevant laws. Authorities have urged the public to verify news before sharing and avoid amplifying unverified claims.

Information Warfare

News outlets and social media accounts from both sides are caught up in what they are calling an “information war.” 

Instead of focusing on verified facts, they are insisting to push their own version of the story. The goal is simply to control the narrative. It often comes at the cost of accuracy.

The Jaipur Dialogues, a popular Twitter account with 454,000 followers, openly encourages its followers to spread news against the enemy, even if it’s false and supress news damaging to India, even if it is true. 

Seek Facts Over Feelings

During any conflict, emotions run high. It’s easy to believe anything that fits those feelings. But this is exactly when we need to slow down and think clearly. Because sharing something just because it sounds good or supports your side can do more harm than good.

It’s important to wait for official confirmation. Don’t trust every message, video, or tweet that comes your way. 

Here are some of the official sources you can refer to.

Ministry of Defence

PIB Fact Check

Indian Army

If you see any news, videos, or images that seem fake or suspicious, please send them to Fact Crescendo on our verified WhatsApp Tipline (9049053770). Our fact-checkers will verify them and tell you the truth. We help you separate truth from noise.