Pakistani security officials have dismissed recent Indian media reports claiming that a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet was shot down as “completely false and fabricated.” These claims, they said, reflect internal confusion and frustration in India after its drone missions failed.
The alleged reports followed India’s unsuccessful deployment of Harop drones, which were intercepted and neutralized by the Pakistan Army. In response, Indian media circulated unverified stories about Pakistani missile attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Jammu and Kashmir—moves seen as an attempt to justify further military action.
This situation mirrors the aftermath of the 2019 Balakot incident, where India also falsely claimed to have downed a Pakistani F-16.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong rebuttal, calling the allegations politically motivated and part of an ongoing disinformation campaign. The spokesperson emphasized that such rhetoric threatens regional peace and damages efforts toward stability.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and warned that any military escalation based on lies will face a decisive response.