Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction
Misinformation during times of geopolitical tension can be as damaging as real weapons. Recently, a fake claim surfaced on live television and social media, alleging that Pakistan had destroyed the Udhampur Air Base in Jammu & Kashmir. The claim, supported by video footage broadcasted by ‘AIK News’, sparked panic and outrage.
However, this alarming news has been completely debunked by the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit (PIB Fact Check), revealing that the video in question is unrelated to any military installation.
The Viral Fake Claim
The misleading report aired on ‘AIK News’, a Pakistani news channel, featured a video showing intense flames and smoke, with claims that:
“Pakistan Air Force has successfully destroyed Udhampur Air Base in India.”
This claim began circulating rapidly on social media platforms, gaining thousands of views and shares, particularly among pro-Pakistan handles.
🚨 Udhampur Air Base Destroyed? ❌
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025
A video aired by 'AIK News' on live TV claimed that Pakistan had destroyed the Udhampur Air Base.#PIBFactCheck
✅ This video shows a fire incident at a chemical factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
✅ It's unrelated to the current… pic.twitter.com/g8g6sCtfpW
PIB Fact Check Clarifies the Truth
On May 9, 2025, @PIBFactCheck officially responded with this statement:
🚨 Udhampur Air Base Destroyed? ❌
A video aired by ‘AIK News’ on live TV claimed that Pakistan had destroyed the Udhampur Air Base.
#PIBFactCheck
✅ This video shows a fire incident at a chemical factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
✅ It’s unrelated to the current India–Pakistan situation.
📢 Stay alert. Don’t fall for fake news!
What Actually Happened?
- The video footage used in the broadcast is real, but it does not depict any military base.
- It shows a chemical factory fire that broke out on May 8, 2025, in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
- There is no evidence of any attack on the Udhampur Air Base.
- The claim was an intentional misrepresentation, aimed at spreading disinformation during sensitive geopolitical circumstances.
Why This Matters
🚫 Psychological Warfare:
False news like this is often used as part of information warfare tactics to cause confusion and lower morale.
🚨 Risk of Escalation:
Such misinformation could lead to unintended military or diplomatic escalations, based on fabricated content.
📢 Public Panic:
Misinformed citizens may spread rumors, creating unnecessary fear and disruption.
How to Combat Misinformation
✅ Follow Official Channels:
Stay updated through verified handles such as:
✅ Report Fake News:
Help stop the spread by reporting fake claims to:
- Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
- WhatsApp: +91-8799711259
✅ Think Before You Share:
If a news item sounds too sensational to be true, it probably is. Verify first.
Explore more fake viral
- PIB Fact Check: Fake Claim of Indian Female Air Force Pilot Captured in Pakistan Debunked
- Fact Check: Viral Video of MLRS Attack is from a Video Game, Not a Real Pakistani Strike on India
- Fact Check: False Claim About Sukhoi Su-30MKI Being Shot Down in Muzaffarabad
- Fact Check: False Claim by China Daily About Indian Jets Crashing in Kashmir
- PIB Fact Check: Fake Claims About Explosions at Jaipur Airport Debunked
- PIB फैक्ट चेक: दिल्ली आग की घटना पर फैलाई जा रही फर्ज़ी अफवाहों का सच
- Fact Check: No Advisory Issued by Government to Turn Off Location Services on Phones
- Understanding @PIBFactCheck: India’s Digital Shield Against Fake News During Crisis Situations
Conclusion
The claim that Pakistan destroyed the Udhampur Air Base using the viral video aired by ‘AIK News’ is completely false. PIB Fact Check has confirmed that the video shows a factory fire in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and it has no connection to any military activity or conflict with Pakistan.
Stay vigilant, verify before believing, and help India fight propaganda.
