After the conflict between India and Pakistan began, we saw a copious outflow of sensational and inaccurate news on our television channels and social media. Blatant lies were peddled as authentic news and many fell into the trap of believing whatever they saw, heard or read. The reality of modern day news dissemination is that truth and accuracy have taken a back seat thereby making it difficult for us to distinguish what is genuine and what is false.
When established media channels put forth fallacious news items, it is a cause for shame and concern. Both Indian and Pakistani media organisations were guilty of putting out entirely fabricated stories that were aimed at misleading the public.
Among those who blasted the television channels for pushing fake news was actress Sonakshi Sinha. She posted: “Just do your job and report facts as they are. Stop sensationalising war and creating panic.”
In India one news item stated that the Indian navy’s INS Vikrant had attacked and destroyed Karachi port. Other false reports said that Indian troops had captured Islamabad, hit Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s residence with drones, and that he had surrendered. Later India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a joint briefing with the armed forces but made no mention of a naval attack on Pakistan or drone strikes on the Pakistani prime minister’s residence and takeover.
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