Controversy Erupts Over Pakistan’s Airbase Claims

An online uproar has ignited following a statement from a Pakistani military officer asserting that missiles launched amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions successfully hit two Indian airbases that, in reality, are not active. This declaration quickly drew derision on various social media platforms.

The claims trace back to the period of increased hostilities that began after the Pahalgam terror incident in 2025. Pakistan purportedly initiated drone and missile operations under the initiative named “Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos.” During this time, military activities intensified across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

In a quickly disseminated video, Pakistani officer Captain Muneeb Zamal claimed that strikes had succeeded against “Rajouri Airbase” and “Mamun Airbase.” However, analysts and users online were quick to clarify that Rajouri is a district lacking an operational Indian Air Force base and that Mamun serves more as a military cantonment than an airbase.

Additionally, the officer asserted that the involvement of civilians during missile launches uplifted the morale among military ranks. His comments became fodder for jokes online, with many questioning the veracity of his assertions and ridiculing the mention of nonexistent targets.

During the escalation on May 10, 2025, Pakistan reportedly deployed Fatah-1 guided artillery rockets as part of its operations. Indian air defence systems later reported intercepting one such missile over Sirsa in Haryana, preventing potential damages. Subsequently, missile debris was found in various areas such as Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Kashmir.

This viral footage has once again spotlighted the ongoing information warfare and the propagandistic narratives that tend to surface during military conflicts between India and Pakistan. Experts warn that such declarations can exacerbate misinformation amidst already sensitive geopolitical contexts.

In spite of the backlash, no formal military statement has emerged from Pakistan elucidating the purported targets. The debate continues to evolve on social media, as users circulate memes, satellite images, and sardonic remarks questioning the officer’s credibility.