The Hindu has once again found itself at the center of a major controversy following the publication of its 13 May 2025 edition. In the Opinion section on page 7, the newspaper featured a map of India that conspicuously omitted Sikkim — an integral part of the country. This omission has sparked significant public outcry and backlash across social media platforms. As in previous instances, The Hindu has once again issued an apology, accompanied by unconvincing excuses.
The Hindu stated, “Due to a data input error, the India map in the article, ‘With a new Pope, an understanding of Catholicism in India,’ which appeared in the Data Point section on May 13, 2025, was incorrectly presented with the contours of Sikkim State being shaded out. We apologise for the error. The map and the references have been removed from the story online, and corrected in our e-paper editions. — The Editor”
Due to a data input error, the India map in the article, “With a new Pope, an understanding of Catholicism in India”, which appeared in the Data Point section on May 13, 2025, was incorrectly presented with the contours of Sikkim State being shaded out. We apologise for the…
Critics have accused The Hindu of intentionally misrepresenting the national map, raising concerns over its editorial stance. The newspaper, often viewed as sympathetic to opposition voices and left-leaning ideologies, has recently faced allegations of promoting narratives that undermine India’s national integrity and security.
This incident follows a previous controversy where The Hindu reported — without verification — that Pakistan had downed Indian Rafale fighter jets, a claim later debunked. The newspaper was forced to retract the report and issue an apology after facing intense scrutiny. The recent map error has further fueled accusations that The Hindu is adopting an anti-India posture, prompting many netizens to label it as “anti-national.”
The Hindu’s Dubious Track Record: A Pattern Emerges
This is far from the first time The Hindu has shown questionable editorial judgment in matters of national interest. In fact, under the guise of “independent journalism,” the publication and journalists like Vijaita Singh have repeatedly eroded public trust through selective, inflammatory, and often erroneous reporting.
During the Rafale controversy, The Hindu was accused of editing and misrepresenting official documents to manufacture a scandal. Now, as India defends its citizens after a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the paper once again published misleading reports suggesting aircraft crashes—claims immediately debunked by defense experts as misinterpreted fuel tank jettisoning. After facing backlash, The Hindu quietly deleted the post—without apology or correction—underscoring the dangerous impact of real-time misinformation.
Vijaita Singh’s Coverage of Manipur: Irresponsible And Inflammatory
Beyond the Kashmir-Pakistan narrative, Vijaita Singh’s reporting during the Manipur ethnic conflict stands out for its recklessness. Since violence erupted in May 2023, her articles have repeatedly highlighted unverified claims, inflammatory statements, and misleading headlines that have only deepened the rift between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
In March 2025, Singh quoted a protester who accused security forces of saying, “We are not Indians”—a claim that was later walked back by the protesterthemselves. Still, Singh chose to amplify the quote without context, potentially stoking anti-security sentiment in a state already teetering on the edge.
In January 2024, she authored a report claiming that “Meitei MLAs call for positive action,” which was later clarified by The Hindu itself to be factually incorrect. The resolution in question had not been passed exclusively by Meitei MLAs, as originally reported—an error with significant communal implications.
In another instance, Singh reported on Chief Minister N. Biren Singh skipping a North Eastern Council meeting, framing it as a rebuke of the central government. Once again, her narrative placed the state and Centre at odds during a period requiring collaboration and restraint.
Vijaita Singh has also been accused of leaking sensitive information, including the names of Army officers stationed in Manipur. This reckless act drew comparisons to the infamous 2008 Barkha Dutt controversy, where journalism blurred into national compromise.
The Real Cost of Misinformation
In a volatile democracy like India, journalistic irresponsibility can escalate crises. Reports like those by Vijaita Singh not only inflame public sentiment but also risk undermining the very institutions tasked with maintaining order. The Hindu, by repeatedly pushing such narratives, is no longer just failing at journalism—it is actively eroding national cohesion and aiding disinformation networks, wittingly or not.
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A suspicious drone was discovered on 15 May near the India-Pakistan border in the Anupgarh area of Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district. The drone was found in a damaged condition on land belonging to the Forest Department near village 12A, raising concerns about cross-border surveillance or espionage.
Around 9.45 a.m., local villagers spotted the drone-like object and immediately informed the Anupgarh Police Station. SHO Ishwar Jangid reached the location with a police team, and the Border Security Force (BSF) was also alerted. The area was quickly cordoned off, and civilians were prohibited from approaching the site. Eyewitnesses reported that the object resembled a drone measuring approximately 5 to 7 feet in length, with a damaged camera detached from its body.
Its design and structure suggest possible use for reconnaissance or intelligence gathering. SHO Jangid stated that multiple security agencies are investigating the scene. A bomb disposal unit has also been deployed as a precaution. The drone will be taken into custody and sent for forensic and technical analysis to determine its origin and purpose. The discovery of such an object so close to the international border is being treated as a serious security concern.
Additional SP Surendra Kumar said a sheepherder had alerted the village sarpanch, who then informed the police and BSF. Senior officers from the police, BSF, Army, and Air Force arrived at the location to examine the drone. A special team has been tasked with checking the drone for any explosive material, and investigations are underway to verify whether the drone was sent from across the border or entered Indian territory accidentally during a military exercise.
Access to the area has been strictly restricted as the probe continues. Meanwhile, three flights, which were suspended between Jaipur and Chandigarh, resumed from Thursday. These flights were stopped on May 7. Along with this, flights to Kullu and Ghaziabad are also being operated from Thursday.
-IANS
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The West Bengal Police, investigating a multi-crore fake passport racket, have uncovered documents indicating that several passports were issued to individuals who do not exist at all. In a recent report submitted to the Calcutta High Court, investigators claimed that at least 37 such passports were found to have been issued to persons who could not be traced at the addresses mentioned in the documents.
During interrogation and field verification, officials could not find any evidence suggesting these individuals ever lived at the listed addresses. Sources familiar with the investigation said the findings point to serious lapses in the physical verification process, which is mandatory for passport issuance.
As per norms, police verification officers are required to visit the applicant’s address in person for on-ground verification before clearing the application. Two police personnel tasked with this verification process have already been named as accused in the case. They are Abdul Hai, a retired sub-inspector of Kolkata Police, and Mohammad Imran, a home guard attached to the Chandernagore Police Commissionerate in Hooghly district.
According to insiders in the state police, the discovery of passports issued to non-existent individuals raises serious concerns, especially in light of several cases involving Bangladeshi nationals living in West Bengal with both Indian and Bangladeshi passports. Investigations have revealed that many of these individuals initially entered India legally on valid visas and subsequently acquired fake Indian identity documents, including passports, through such rackets.
In a related development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently arrested a former Pakistani national, Azad Mullick, from his residence on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. He was allegedly operating a network dealing in fake passports, visas, and hawala transactions. What made his case more complex was that he had first obtained Bangladeshi citizenship using forged documents and then used a similar method to acquire an Indian passport.
-IANS
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Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh said on 15 May that the present ceasefire understanding is respected by India only as long as no terrorist attack takes place in the country. He also said that it was time that the Nuclear facility of Pakistan was taken over by a global watchdog.
Addressing the Indian Army soldiers at the Badami Bagh Cantonment area of Srinagar city, which is the headquarters of the Army’s 15 Corps, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Our ‘Operation Sindoor’ is undoubtedly the biggest anti-terrorist operation ever undertaken by India. We hit their chest and left a huge wound on it after they tried to attack our head.”
The Defence Minister started his address by paying homage to the bravehearts of the country who laid down their lives during the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. He also paid tribute to the 26 people killed by terrorists in Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on 22 April. “Operation Sindoor is the dream seen by every Indian soldier who aims to track down and destroy terrorism across the border. They tried to break our social fabric by killing innocent civilians after segregating them on the basis of religion. We attacked them on the basis of their evil intentions”, he said.
He also said, “India will not succumb to any Nuclear blackmail by Pakistan as has been proved by the strikes on terror targets by us. It is time that the Nuclear facility of Pakistan is taken over by an international body so that their Nuclear bluff is called forever.” The Defence Minister quoted Swami Tulsi Das and said, “Swami Tulsi Das has said in ‘Ramcharitmanas’ that whenever intentions are noble and honest there is peace and prosperity and whenever intentions are evil and vengeful, misery and violence becomes their destiny.”
Rajnath Singh also quoted poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and said, “National poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar has said nobody wants to be afflicted by disease, but once disease inflicts a person, serving him sweets will not cure him. Hard remedies have to be sought and used. India has always stood for peace, but when our sovereignty and integrity is challenged we have to make hard choices.” The Defence Minister added that Pakistan had assured Atal Bihari Vajpayee that they would not allow their soil to be used for terrorism but they did not fulfil that commitment. “Let me tell you that the present understanding is based on the assurance that no terrorist activity will be undertaken from across the border. I know there was huge anger in your hearts and in every heart across the country. I must commend you for not letting that anger overtake you. You have avenged the innocent killings of civilians by hitting the right targets,” Rajnath Singh said.
“Where has Pakistan landed itself today? It is said that the line of beggars begins from where Pakistan stands. They begged to get the IMF loan while India is among those countries who give funds to IMF to be given to poor countries. “If any terror attack takes place in our country then our revenge and message will go a long way. The Prime Minister has already redefined the country’s response to terrorism. “A new normal has been created and this will be resorted to by us whenever there is a terror attack in India”, the Defence Minister asserted.
He said the Prime Minister Modi had made it clear that terror and talks will not go together. “The only talk with Pakistan would be about Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir”, the Defence Minister reiterated. Rajnath Singh said it was a fulfilling experience for him to be among the brave soldiers of the country who made the nation proud. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, GoC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GoC of 15 Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava and other senior Army officers were present during the Defence Minister’s address.
-IANS
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The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Thursday condemned the murder of Fahad Lehri, a student of Balochistan, calling it a continuation of Pakistan’s “kill and dump” policy to suppress the Baloch identity. In a statement, the BYC stated that Fahad, a student and resident of Mastung, Balochistan, was forcibly disappeared on 4 May, and his bullet-riddled body was discovered in the same region on Wednesday.
“The ‘kill and dump’ policy has become an institutionalised method of silencing Baloch voices. From students and labourers to political workers and artists, no one is safe. Fahad was neither presented in court nor allowed legal recourse; his only “crime” was being a Baloch youth in a region where identity alone is deemed a threat,” read the statement.
“This ongoing strategy of targeting young Baloch men is intended not only to eliminate those who might question the state but to instil fear deep within Baloch society. Fahad Lehri now joins a long list of names, victims whose lives were erased without trial, whose families continue to mourn in the shadows of state violence,” the statement added.
Highlighting the brutality of Pakistan, the Baloch forum stated that even in grief, it will not remain silent. “The people of Balochistan will continue to resist this brutality through our voices, our truth, and our collective memory. The bullets may bury bodies, but they cannot erase the will of a people determined to live with dignity and justice,” said the statement.
The BYC in another statement also revealed that a 7-year-old girl, Rokia Baloch, died on Thursday after she was fatally shot a few days ago while sleeping outside her home in Khudabadan, a town in District Panjgur, Balochistan. Highlighting the incident, it stated that in the early hours on Monday, personnel from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) indiscriminately opened fire in the area, and a bullet struck Rokia in the abdomen while she was asleep.
The child was immediately rushed to the hospital in Panjgur and later referred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kech (Turbat), and despite efforts by her family, she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, the BYC stated. “The tragedy was compounded by the dire condition of the healthcare facility. Upon admission, there was no proper oxygen supply, no emergency medicines, no functioning air conditioning, and no reliable electricity. These life-saving necessities were absent, reflecting the systemic neglect and underdevelopment of Balochistan’s public services, especially in critical healthcare,” read the statement by the BYC.
“This is not an isolated incident. Such acts of indiscriminate violence by state forces have become a recurring reality in Balochistan. In the aftermath of attacks or confrontations, it is often the civilian population, including children, women, and the elderly, who bear the brunt of state retaliation,” the statement read. “The ongoing militarisation of civilian areas, the impunity enjoyed by security forces, and the systematic denial of basic rights have created a humanitarian crisis in Balochistan that demands international attention,” the statement further added.
The BYC urged international human rights organisations, medical humanitarian groups, and global civil society to acknowledge and act against this violence, stating that Rokia’s name joins a long list of innocent lives lost not to conflict, but to state-sponsored brutality.
-IANS
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A senior official of a labour union was arrested earlier this week after a complaint of sexual harassment was filed by a local resident at the new washermanpet Police Station.
The accused, Nanmaran (63), General Secretary of the Chennai Port and Shipyard Workers’ Union affiliated with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). He resides in the Tondiarpet Port Housing complex, where the incident reportedly took place.
According to police sources, the complaint was lodged by the mother of a college-going student who resides in the same housing complex. Following preliminary inquiries, a case was registered against Nanmaran under relevant sections of the law.
He was subsequently arrested, produced before a magistrate at the George Town Court, and remanded to judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison.
Authorities have stated that further investigation is underway.
Representatives from the Thoothukudi People Livelihood Protection Association, along with residents from nearby villages, submitted a formal request to Member of Parliament Kanimozhi on 13 May, appealing for the reopening of the Sterlite Copper plant.
In their plea, the group highlighted that for over two decades, the Sterlite Copper facility had provided direct and indirect employment to more than 20,000 individuals from Thoothukudi and over 50 neighboring villages. Additionally, 64 contractors depended on operations at the plant. Many had invested heavily in infrastructure—purchasing and customizing trucks solely for transporting copper concentrate from the VOC Port to the SIPCOT Industrial Estate.
The abrupt shutdown of the smelter not only stripped thousands of their livelihood but also pushed several contractors into financial ruin. Having taken substantial loans—often secured by mortgaging personal properties—many were left with no choice but to sell their vehicles at a loss after the closure.
According to S. Thiyagarajan, president of the association, the plant was unfairly targeted by a campaign that falsely linked it to a rise in cancer cases, branding Thoothukudi the “cancer capital.” He stated that environmental tests from multiple independent agencies found no basis for such claims. Nevertheless, the narrative persisted, leading to unrest and ultimately the closure of the facility. This move, he added, forced India to shift from being a copper exporter to a copper importer.
The petitioners also pointed to Sterlite’s humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. The company produced and distributed 2,266 tonnes of medical oxygen at no cost, providing life-saving support across 32 districts.
Despite incurring massive losses following the shutdown—estimated in thousands of crores—the plant has continued its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. These include scholarships for over 10,500 children whose families lost income during the pandemic, financial aid for women-led self-help groups, and funding for development initiatives in rural areas around Thoothukudi.
Given the scale of its socio-economic impact and the continued demand for employment, the petitioners urged the government to take immediate steps toward reopening the Sterlite Copper plant for the betterment of workers and local communities alike.
This time, Pakistan went to extreme lengths to fabricate and push its false “Rafale shot down” narrative—strategically planting the story in so-called international media using its own journalists. By disguising state-sponsored propaganda as independent journalism, Pakistan attempted to lend credibility to its baseless claims and mislead both domestic and international audiences.
On 9 May 2025, a Reuters article titled “Pakistan’s Chinese-made jet brought down two Indian fighter aircraft, US officials say” claimed that a Chinese-manufactured Pakistani J-10 fighter jet had shot down at least two Indian military aircraft, including a French-made Rafale. However, the report lacked verifiable evidence and relied solely on anonymous statements from “two US officials.”
The identities of these officials remain undisclosed, and the article acknowledged that “crucial details were unclear,” with “social media posts highlighting the face-off.” This vague sourcing raises questions about the credibility of the claims. Notably, Pakistan’s Defence Minister also referred to “evidences on social media“ during a television interview, further emphasizing the reliance on unverified online content.
Upon closer examination, it was revealed that the article was authored by two journalists, Saeed Shah and Idrees Ali, both from Pakistan. Saeed Shah had written only three articles for Reuters, all published between 5 May and 9 May 2025, and all presenting a pro-Pakistan perspective. This pattern suggests a deliberate effort to propagate a specific narrative through an international news platform.
The article was widely disseminated across media outlets, particularly in Pakistan and China, and became a cornerstone of Pakistan’s military reports, reinforcing their narrative of shooting down Indian jets. However, the lack of concrete evidence and reliance on anonymous sources have led to skepticism regarding the authenticity of these claims.
In contrast, Indian authorities have consistently denied any aircraft losses, stating that “losses are a part of combat” and that all pilots returned safely. The Indian military also presented wreckage of a Mirage III or Mirage 5, claiming its interception during the conflict.
Lies may be loud, but truth always finds its way to the surface. Market reactions alone have dismantled Pakistan’s fabricated tales. As their false Rafale narrative spread, the real world responded: Chinese defense stocks plummeted by up to 8%, while Indian defense equities rose 4.12% and Dassault Aviation saw a 1% uptick. The contrast couldn’t be starker.
Only a country that suffered the destruction of 9 terror camps, the decimation of 11 airbases, the collapse of its air defense systems, over 100 casualties, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) could delude itself into celebrating defeat through fake news and social media memes.
The propagation of the “Rafale shot down” story underscores the challenges of information warfare in modern conflicts, where narratives can be shaped and spread rapidly, often without regard for factual accuracy. It serves as a reminder to critically evaluate sources and seek verified information amidst the deluge of content in the digital age.
(This article is based on an X Thread By Ashok Singhal)
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The recent press briefing by Pakistan’s military, filled with unfounded allegations against India, once again exposes their ongoing attempt to position themselves as victims of terrorism. But in an age of technological transparency, these propaganda-laden claims—often backed by doctored images and zero credible data—fail to hold up on international platforms. The global community is no longer swayed by baseless rhetoric without verifiable evidence.
Is the Pakistan Army Truly “Professional”?
Pakistan often presents its military as a professional institution, but its conduct and deep entanglement in the country’s economy tell a different story. Far from being a purely defense-oriented organization, the Pakistan Army operates what is arguably one of the world’s largest military-run business empires. Through a web of ostensibly civilian-run but military-controlled organizations, serving and retired officers oversee a vast commercial enterprise.
Key Military-Controlled Business Entities in Pakistan:
Fauji Foundation: Established in 1954, this foundation runs over 18 companies in sectors including fertilizers, cement, food, energy, and healthcare. While profits are officially designated for veteran welfare, transparency remains questionable.
Army Welfare Trust (AWT): Involved in industries such as real estate, banking, insurance, aviation, and manufacturing, AWT is another major arm of military-led commerce.
Shaheen Foundation (Pakistan Air Force): Manages interests in media, education, and real estate under the guise of welfare for air force personnel.
Bahria Foundation (Pakistan Navy): Operates in education, shipping, and property development.
Defence Housing Authority (DHA): Arguably the most controversial, DHA oversees luxury housing projects in major cities and has been accused of land grabbing and displacing local communities.
This military-run economic empire raises several serious concerns. Foremost is the lack of transparency—these military-controlled businesses operate outside the purview of public audits and civilian accountability, making it nearly impossible to scrutinize their financial practices. Additionally, there’s a clear conflict of interest, as serving officers often reap personal benefits from these ventures, blurring the lines between military service and private profit. The army’s deep involvement in commerce also distorts the economy, crowding out private sector competition and discouraging both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors. Perhaps most troubling is the political influence that stems from this economic dominance; the military’s financial power translates into significant sway over civilian policymaking, undermining democratic institutions and weakening civilian oversight.
Renowned scholar Ayesha Siddiqa, in her landmark book “Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy”, coined the term “Milbus” (military business) to describe this phenomenon. According to her, the Pakistan Army functions more like a sprawling corporate conglomerate than a conventional defense force—prioritizing profits, power, and political leverage over professionalism and national duty.
According to a report by Ayesha Siddiqa in 2007, the total estimated value of the Pakistan Army’s business empire stood at around $20 billion. However, current estimates suggest that this figure may now range between $40 billion to $100 billion (approximately ₹8,47,28,17,08,000). Experts attribute this staggering growth to the expansion of military-controlled enterprises, particularly the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), which operates lucrative real estate projects in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. DHA alone is believed to be worth several billions of dollars, reflecting the scale and economic dominance of the military’s commercial ventures.
Pakistan Army abides by commitment?
Since the 2003 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, there have been numerous instances where Pakistan has been accused of violating the terms of the truce.These violations have escalated over the years, leading to increased tensions and casualties.
Notable Ceasefire Violations by Pakistan
2014: Pakistan committed 583 ceasefire violations, averaging one incident every 15 hours.These actions resulted in the deaths of four Indian army soldiers, one Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, and 13 civilians.Additionally, 101 civilians and 33 security personnel were injured, and 128 private structures were damaged.
2019: There were over 2,050 unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, leading to 21 Indian casualties.The Indian Ministry of External Affairs highlighted concerns over these violations, including cross-border terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and border posts.
2021: Pakistan violated the ceasefire approximately 600 times, continuing the pattern of increased violations observed in previous years.
2025: In May, following a ceasefire agreement sirens wailed and explosions rang out across India’s border regions on Saturday evening, as Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement merely hours after it was announced by sending drones into Indian airspace. Reports of loud blasts came in from Srinagar, while air raid alerts were triggered in Udhampur and several areas of the Jammu region.
Does the Pakistan Army follows the orders of Government? A Laughable Claim
When Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that the Pakistan Army “follows the orders of the government,” it was almost impossible not to laugh. The statement stands in stark contrast to decades of history, evidence, and ongoing realities. The truth is: the Pakistani military—especially the army—has long been the most dominant force in the country, far outweighing the influence of elected governments. Below are well-documented instances and facts that lay bare the extent of this control.
Military Coups and Direct Rule
Pakistan has experienced major military coups, resulting in more than 34 years of direct military rule:
1958 – Gen. Ayub Khan imposed martial law and suspended the constitution.
1977 – Gen. Zia-ul-Haq overthrew PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and ruled until his death in 1988.
1999 – Gen. Pervez Musharraf ousted PM Nawaz Sharif and held power until 2008.
Even during periods of civilian rule, the military has operated from behind the scenes, crafting what analysts call “hybrid regimes“—governments that appear democratic but are steered by the army.
Election Engineering and Political Manipulation
2018 Elections: Widely believed to be rigged in favor of Imran Khan, with the military using media control and judiciary pressure to sideline rivals like PML-N.
2022 Ouster of Imran Khan: After a rift with Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa over ISI appointments, Khan was ousted via a no-confidence vote—allegedly orchestrated by the military.
Suppression of Opposition: Prior to the 2024 elections, thousands of PTI leaders and supporters were jailed, the party symbol was removed from ballots, and Khan himself faced over 180 legal cases—all widely viewed as politically motivated.
President Arif Alvi’s 2023 Revelation: He claimed military-backed staff bypassed his authority to pass controversial bills—underscoring just how powerless elected officials can be.
From direct coups to political engineering, from monopolizing foreign policy to running a multibillion-dollar economic empire—the Pakistan Army has repeatedly shown that it does not take orders; it gives them. Civilian governments, while elected
Pakistani Claims of Celebrating Peace?
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently claimed that Pakistanis were celebrating peace following the escalation between India and Pakistan. However, the situation tells a different story. While Pakistan’s government insists on peace, disturbing images surfaced showing terrorists being mourned with Pakistani Army officers present at the funeral rites.
Following India’s precision strikes on May 7, which killed over 100 terrorists as part of Operation Sindoor, videos and photographs emerged from the funerals of these militants. The visuals showed several Pakistani Army officials and personnel attending the last rites in various border areas.
On Sunday, the Indian Armed Forces identified the Pakistani officials who were seen offering prayers at the funerals. Among those named were:
Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Commander of the IV Corps of Lahore
Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, of the 11th Infantry Division, Lahore
Brigadier Mohammad Furqan Shabbir
Dr. Usman Anwar, Inspector General of Punjab Police
Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab
Despite Pakistan’s repeated claims of not harboring or supporting terrorism, these images and videos contradict such statements.
One particularly concerning incident was the funeral of Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a prominent Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, who led prayers for three militants killed in the Indian airstrike on a terror camp in Muridke, near Lahore. Notably, civil officials and members of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), founded by Hafiz Saeed, were also in attendance. The individuals killed, Qari Abdul Malik, Khalid, and Mudassir, were reportedly associated with JuD, serving as prayer leaders and caretakers at a mosque destroyed during the strike.
Rauf, a globally designated terrorist by the US Treasury, was seen leading the ceremony, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing connections with militant groups. Following the funeral, disturbing footage emerged showing Pakistan Army personnel carrying the coffins of these terrorists, draped in the Pakistani flag, further deepening suspicions of the army’s complicity in supporting terrorism. This sequence of events paints a stark contrast to the narrative of peace that Pakistani officials try to project, raising questions about the true extent of their involvement in terror activities.
Pakistan’s Military Capability: Claims vs. Reality
One of the most questionable narratives during the recent India-Pakistan conflict came from the Pakistani military’s claims about its air and naval readiness.
In a press briefing, DGPR PAF Aurangzeb Ahmed asserted that Pakistani radar systems successfully detected all Indian drones during the escalation. He even presented video footage to support this. Similarly, DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that Pakistan had intercepted and shot down 12 Indian drones, including Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, allegedly in areas like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
However, these bold claims do not hold up to scrutiny. Various reports and open-source intelligence suggest that multiple Indian drones successfully penetrated Pakistani airspace, with some reaching deep into urban areas such as Lahore and Karachi. Even Pakistani media outlets noted explosions and unusual aerial activity in these regions. Despite claims of shooting down between 12 to 25 drones, no verifiable evidence has been provided by Pakistan’s defense establishment. If their air defense system truly detected all incoming drones, it raises a critical question—why couldn’t they intercept them effectively and prevent the resulting damage? The outcome instead revealed significant lapses in air defense, with notable losses on the Pakistani side.
The exaggeration didn’t stop there. Commodore Raja Rab Nawaz made a public statement asserting that Pakistan’s Navy was fully prepared and that submarines were on standby for any escalation at sea. However, the reality paints a far less impressive picture. Out of the five submarines that Pakistan claims to have in its arsenal, only two are currently operational. This revelation significantly undermines the navy’s stated readiness and casts doubt on the credibility of their maritime deterrence posture.
In summary, while Pakistan’s military officials made sweeping claims about their ability to detect and neutralize threats from India, the available evidence—and the results on the ground—tell a different story. These contradictions only further highlight the gap between Pakistan’s rhetoric and actual capability.
How far can someone go to protect their public image, even if it means appearing shamelessly inconsistent? A striking example is YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who recently found himself at the center of multiple controversies. Once riding high on his social media fame, Allahbadia sparked outrage with a tasteless incestuous joke, which led to public backlash and even legal issues. In an apparent attempt to deflect criticism, he pivoted sharply to more politically charged territory, posting a “peace message” directed at Pakistan during a period of heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
In that now-deleted post, Allahbadia addressed “Dear Pakistani Brothers and Sisters,” claimed he held no hatred for the people of Pakistan, and even apologized if any Indians had spread negativity. Though he quickly took down the post, screenshots had already circulated widely, triggering a wave of criticism. Many Indians viewed the message as a betrayal, especially to the Indian Armed Forces, and accused him of virtue-signaling to gain sympathy from left-leaning audiences. Ironically, no prominent figures from that space came to his defense.
Hello @MumbaiPolice See how Ranveer Allahbadia is blaming Indians over Pakistan issue. He is spoiling young minds and can be a potential threat for the country. Please take action on this issue pic.twitter.com/X203noqhKL
But the story didn’t end there. Just days later, Allahbadia appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored in a panel discussing India-Pakistan relations. His fellow panelists included journalist Barkha Dutt, former Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Khar, and Pakistani podcaster Shehzad Ghias Shaikh.
In a dramatic turn, Allahbadia adopted a confrontational tone, challenging the Pakistani side with pointed remarks. Holding up a photo of Osama Bin Laden, he reminded viewers that the terrorist leader had been found just 800 meters from a Pakistani military base. He then displayed an image of Abdul Rauf, a UN-designated terrorist, being honored by Pakistani military personnel.
“I’m here to present facts,” he said. “This is the narrative the world needs to hear. Even President Trump once said he facilitated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and yet Pakistan broke it within an hour.”
He went on to defend India’s military actions, describing them as “precision-oriented, moderate, and purely retaliatory“, emphasizing that India has never been an aggressor. “We export vaccines, philosophy, engineers, and global leaders. That’s why our economy is eleven times larger than Pakistan’s,” he added.
When asked by Piers Morgan about his deleted post, Allahbadia explained that he removed it because Pakistan had once again violated the ceasefire, reinforcing his distrust. “Even genuine efforts at dialogue are met with denials, like questioning the evidence in the Pahalgam attack. India is not provoking violence; we are defending ourselves against a state that sponsors terrorism,” he said.
Not defending BeerBiceps aka Ranveer Allahbadia..
Still we need to realise is that they picked him up because they thought he would be easy to deal with..
Ranveer Allahbadia’s abrupt transitions—from facing backlash over an offensive joke, to posting a peace message aimed at Pakistan, and then adopting a strong nationalist stance on an international news panel—have sparked widespread skepticism about the sincerity of his public image. Many netizens weren’t convinced, calling him out for inconsistency and double standards. Whether he’s being calculated, opportunistic, or simply unsure of his stance, one thing is clear: his actions highlight how public figures often tread a precarious path between reputation management and outright hypocrisy—and sometimes end up on the wrong side of it.
Ranveer Allahabadia is a classic case of a clueless, low-intelligence, cocooned rich kid whose heart bleeds with guilt for those who are on a weaker side.
Behind his bleeding heart is an assurance that he’s on the stronger side. The moment they turn on him (and they will), he…
