Misinformation marred Indian media's coverage during conflict with Pakistan: report

Indian media outlets have faced mounting criticism after the international press exposed  widespread misinformation during the recent military escalation with Pakistan. 

The report lightened the details how several major Indian news channels broadcast false claims, contributing to mass confusion and shaping a distorted public narrative during a highly sensitive time.

Shortly after midnight on May 9, Prasar Bharati, India’s state-run broadcaster, reportedly sent a WhatsApp message to a journalist claiming a coup was underway in Pakistan and that its army chief had been arrested.

Within minutes, the unverified news was broadcast across television networks and social media, all of that was entirely false. General Asim Munir, far from being detained, was later promoted to field marshal.

Read: Congress files case against BJP’s Amit Malviya, Arnab Goswami for spreading fake news

The report stated that Indian channels like Zee News, NDTV, Times Now, Navbharat, and Bharat Samachar also falsely reported Indian military advances into Pakistan and the surrender of its prime minister. To support these claims, they aired unrelated footage from Gaza, Sudan, and even video games.

The Washington Post interviewed over two dozen Indian journalists and officials, most of whom spoke anonymously due to the state pressure. Many admitted their newsrooms had relied on social media posts, WhatsApp rumors, and influencers aligned with the ruling BJP, instead of verified sources.

Critics said hypernationalism and government pressure have eroded editorial independence in India. “Journalism has become whatever lands on your WhatsApp,” Washington post quoted a reporter.

Read: Indian media outlet apologizes over airing fake news of attacks in Pakistan

However, a rare on-air apology from Aaj Tak acknowledged “incomplete” reporting, though most channels offered no corrections.

Pakistani media also spread disinformation: report

The Washington post report read that Pakistani media, too, spread disinformation, including claims of bombing in Afghanistan and the destruction of Indian military assets. Officials from both countries justified misinformation as a tool of psychological warfare.

Responding to the Washington Post about the details shared by the representatives of Pakistan's armed forces, the military's media wing said, "The information shared and press releases issued are based on verified intelligence and digital evidence accessible to us."