NEW DELHI (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has refuted claims by Indian media that the Indian military carried out an attack on Karachi during recent tensions with Pakistan, describing the reports as entirely false and misleading. Speaking at a formal event in New Delhi, General Dwivedi remarked that “many such fabricated stories surfaced during the conflict,” admitting that even within the army, officials were surprised by the origin of such misinformation.
بھارتی آرمی چیف کا بڑا اعتراف؛
آپریشن سندور کے دوران کراچی پر حملے کی خبریں محض فیک نیوز تھیں۔ بھارتی میڈیا کا پھیلایا گیا بیانیہ بے نقاب ہوگیا۔ pic.twitter.com/TmKnmkcuFP— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) November 2, 2025
The reports in question began circulating during the height of the May standoff between India and Pakistan, when sections of the Indian press alleged that Indian forces had launched a large-scale strike on Karachi, supposedly causing widespread damage. No evidence ever supported these claims, and Pakistani authorities swiftly denied them.
Observers say the episode highlights how India’s media ecosystem has become increasingly susceptible to sensationalism, particularly during moments of heightened national tension. The spread of unverified narratives not only risked escalating bilateral hostilities but also eroded public trust in credible information.
International media outlets subsequently exposed the falsehood, with several describing the story as “a complete fabrication.” Analysts have argued that such misinformation feeds into a dangerous cycle of nationalism and disinformation, blurring the line between state narratives and media opportunism.
While Indian authorities have not formally reprimanded any media outlet, General Dwivedi’s rare public disavowal represents a subtle yet significant rebuke of the domestic press. The statement also signals an attempt by the Indian military to distance itself from politically charged narratives that could damage its credibility or fuel unnecessary escalation with Pakistan.
As tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continue to ebb and flow, the incident underscores the growing role of information warfare in shaping public perception and influencing diplomatic relations across South Asia.
