Every India’s claims about Pakistan need independent scrutiny

October 3, 2026

The ISPR has challenged Indian media reports claiming that a former Pakistan Army soldier was killed during an operation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, presenting Muhammad Asif before journalists to demonstrate that he was alive.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Indian authorities had announced a joint operation in the Korag-Yousmarg area on September 29 and subsequently reported the killing of a suspected militant identified as Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa. Indian media reports described him as a former Pakistan Army soldier who had served in the Special Services Group.

However, Pakistan presented Asif, who said he had joined the army in 2000, served in the SSG from 2005 and retired in 2023. He told journalists that he was at home when he learned of reports claiming his death. The Pakistani military described the episode as an Indian false-flag operation and accused Indian authorities and media outlets of spreading false information to justify security actions in Kashmir.

The incident highlights the serious consequences of unverified claims by the Indian army. The episode raises important questions about Indian army and media responsibility, official statements and the use of information during military tensions. As the Indian reports wrongly identified a living former Pakistani soldier as a militant killed in an operation, the world should understand how Indian mindset works to influence the world about Pakistan. The presentation of Asif provides a direct challenge to the reported identification.