How Some Pakistani-Origin Journalists Amplify Unverified Claims Against India During Op Sindoor

The Story

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared in 2025 with India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after a deadly militant attack in Kashmir. Amid the chaos, a troubling trend emerged: Pakistani-origin journalists at major international outlets like CNN, Reuters, and The New York Times were quick to echo Pakistan’s claims—such as downing five Indian jets—without solid evidence. No radar data, no wreckage, no HUD footage. Just bold assertions, often recycled in a loop of cross-citations that gave the illusion of truth.

The Problem

Journalists like Adnan Aamir, Sophia Saifi, and Salman Masood, working for respected global publications, repeatedly shared Pakistan’s narrative without the kind of scrutiny expected from international media. Claims of destroyed Indian airbases or captured soldiers spread like wildfire, only to be debunked later by India’s Press Information Bureau or quietly retracted by Pakistani officials. Yet these stories, often paired with doctored clips or even video game footage on social media, fueled outrage and mistrust. It’s not about their nationality—it’s about the failure to demand proof in a high-stakes conflict.

Why It Matters

When unverified reports dominate, they don’t just mislead readers; they pour fuel on a volatile situation. India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, can’t afford media-driven escalations. These stories, amplified by social media, whip up nationalist fervor, making diplomacy harder. India’s own media isn’t innocent—its outlets have been called out for exaggeration too—but the expectation for global platforms is higher. They’re supposed to cut through the noise, not add to it.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about a few journalists. It’s about how international media can become a megaphone for unverified state narratives. When reporters cite each other instead of digging for evidence, it creates an echo chamber that undermines trust. Compare this to the 2019 Balakot airstrike, where India released radar data to back its claims. Why wasn’t Pakistan held to the same standard? The answer lies in editorial lapses that let bias—conscious or not—creep in.

Moving Forward

International outlets need to tighten their fact-checking game. Relying on unverified sources in a conflict like this isn’t just sloppy—it’s dangerous. Readers trust these platforms to deliver truth, not to parrot one side’s story. In a region where press freedom is already shaky, as rankings for both India and Pakistan show, the world needs journalists who prioritize evidence over narrative. Only then can media be a bridge to clarity, not a spark for chaos.