Indian narrative exposed after ‘slain militant’ appears alive: Masood Khan
Former AJK president calls for credible evidence, independent verification of security claims
Islamabad: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has said that the appearance of a retired Pakistani soldier alive before the media, after Indian authorities and media had identified him as a militant killed in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has exposed serious questions about the verification and credibility of India’s narrative surrounding the incident.
The Pakistan military presented Mohammad Asif alive before the media on October 1, days after Indian reports had identified him as the militant allegedly killed in IIOJK.
In a statement issued in Islamabad, Sardar Masood Khan said the episode raised serious questions about the verification of security-related claims and demonstrated the dangers of releasing and amplifying information without adequate confirmation. He stressed that claims surrounding sensitive incidents should be independently verified before dissemination, particularly when they could have implications for relations between India and Pakistan.
He described the episode as part of a broader pattern of information warfare and narrative-building directed against Pakistan. Referring to previous episodes, including Pulwama, Uri and Pahalgam, he argued that allegations involving Pakistan should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than amplified before the facts are established.
Sardar Masood Khan also referred to reports and research concerning coordinated information campaigns targeting Pakistan, including findings attributed to EU DisinfoLab in 2020 regarding networks of websites and media outlets. He said such activities had sought to damage Pakistan’s international reputation and undermine its advocacy concerning the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He said the timing of the latest episode was significant in view of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement during the United Nations General Assembly session. He said attempts to undermine Pakistan’s international standing through unverified narratives could have wider regional consequences.
He further warned that inaccurate information in a conflict environment could heighten tensions and create risks beyond the immediate incident. Referring to previous military tensions between India and Pakistan, he stressed that escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could have serious consequences for regional stability.
Sardar Masood Khan stressed that allegations of terrorism or cross-border involvement should be presented with credible evidence and examined through appropriate mechanisms. He said accurate information, professional journalism and responsible state communication were essential to preventing misinformation from contributing to further confrontation between India and Pakistan.
