ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has categorically rejected claims circulated by sections of Afghan and Indian media alleging that a Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in Nangarhar province and that its pilot was captured.
According to the ministry, the allegation was reportedly attributed to officials of the Taliban administration and was later amplified by various Indian media outlets and regional platforms. However, officials clarified that Pakistan’s armed forces have not reported any aircraft loss.
The ministry emphasized that no independent international media organization or credible defense monitoring agency has verified the claim. Furthermore, no physical or visual evidence has been presented to support the allegation, including debris, authenticated crash site imagery, or proof of a captured pilot.
Officials also addressed videos circulating on social media, stating that the content being shared as evidence is unrelated and predates the current claim. The ministry pointed out that an image aired by Afghan broadcaster TOLO News and widely shared online corresponds to a separate 2021 incident involving a Russian aircraft in Turkey, which is now being misleadingly reused.
The Information Ministry described the narrative as disinformation built on uncorroborated statements lacking verification from neutral and credible sources. Authorities reiterated that spreading unverified defense-related claims can contribute to regional instability and misinformation.
The government urged media outlets and the public to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports that may escalate tensions in the region.
