Reports by Indian media claiming the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had an F-16 fighter jet shot down were “blatant lies and fake news,” according to security sources on Thursday. They described these claims as evidence of confusion and mental disarray among Indian decision-makers following the loss of multiple drones inside Pakistan.
Sources stated that India has grown increasingly unsettled after the recent failure of its Harop drone missions. They added that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully alert and prepared to counter any hostile moves, reaffirming their readiness against India’s alleged aggressive intentions.
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“In a state of panic,” one security official said, “India is fabricating stories about attacks in Rajasthan, Pathankot, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to justify potential future aggression against Pakistan.”
Analysts have drawn parallels between the current misinformation drive and India’s discredited narrative following the 2019 aerial engagement during Operation Swift Retort. In that episode, Pakistan downed two Indian jets in response to the Balakot airstrikes.
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At the time, India claimed that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman — who was captured by Pakistan after ejecting from his MiG-21 — had shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was destroyed. Pakistan refuted this, asserting that none of its F-16s were lost.
Pakistani social media users also reacted to the situation slamming fake news continuously being shared across all platforms
Indian media apologised for the fake news and reporting last night. pic.twitter.com/1tn2jbSL1Y
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) May 9, 2025
🚨 Indian naval ships spotted in Thar desert, Sindh.
— Sher Khan (@K4anSh3r) May 9, 2025
Lahore hai Rafale thori. https://t.co/MSnQN4RQnv
— us. (@unzilasaleemm) May 8, 2025
Indian media hiding pics of captured pilots that were never even captured. 1.4 billion people getting played on national TV!😭 pic.twitter.com/aga1qbKQkj
— BUNTY. (@atang_waddi) May 9, 2025
I am Tweeting from Mars! https://t.co/tDwDES8X9r
— Mian Ali Ashfaq (@MianAliAshfaq) May 9, 2025
India needs a news channel.
There is none.
— Harshdeep Rapal (@harshdeeprapal) May 9, 2025
Wow, so much fake news!
Even by mainstream media. Shameful!
— Paras Chopra (@paraschopra) May 9, 2025
Breaking 🚨: Commander Safeguard has been arrested
— Memes by Musa (@MemesbyMusa_) May 9, 2025
I had actually believed the story of Pakistani pilot being captured. Mujhe laga itna kon fekega, but I was wrong
— Zee (@MhaskarChief) May 9, 2025
Lahoris leaving via sea as Indian army has entered through land. pic.twitter.com/hdBbmhgTPQ
— Jasir Shahbaz (@LahoreMarquez) May 8, 2025
lahoris https://t.co/CK0PWNcV2z pic.twitter.com/w1fvLW5Aqa
— ZAMAN (@zamannx) May 8, 2025
Situation in Pakistan According to Indian media: pic.twitter.com/yJvfbpgEno
— Ans (@PakForeverIA) May 9, 2025
China mocks Modi’s India and Rafales 🤣 pic.twitter.com/n4UqeKLukj
— Khalissee (@Kahlissee) May 9, 2025