Pak Navy's Operational Readiness Questioned Amid Fake Image Row

Pakistan's military has been accused of using a digitally manipulated image to showcase its naval operational readiness, sparking concerns about the country's transparency and credibility in its claims of being prepared to respond to escalating tensions with India.

The image, which featured two warships, a submarine, and three aircraft, was presented at a recent press briefing as evidence of the Pak Navy's operational readiness. However, it was later revealed that the image was taken in 2023 during a joint Pakistan-China naval exercise in the Indian Ocean and had been altered to include a submarine that was not present in the original photo.

This incident is part of a larger trend of misinformation and disinformation from Pakistan, which has included unsubstantiated claims and manipulated images spread through social media and mainstream media outlets. The use of fake images to convince the Pakistani people of the country's air, land, and sea assets being at optimal levels for deployment has raised questions about the government's intentions and the accuracy of its claims.

Social media users quickly identified the image as fake, pointing out that the original photo did not include a submarine, which was added in the doctored version. Despite the controversy, Pakistan's Naval chief expressed confidence in the country's operational readiness, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the government's claims.

The incident has sparked a debate about the spread of misinformation and the importance of fact-checking, particularly in the context of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will address concerns about its credibility and transparency.