DG ISPR debunks Indian media claim of ex-Pakistan Army official’s killing

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Thursday exposed fake Indian media reports claiming that a former Pakistani soldier had been killed in an encounter in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Addressing a press conference, the DG ISPR apprised journalists of reports circulated by several Indian media platforms claiming that Mohammad Asif, allegedly wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam attack, had been killed during an “encounter” in Korag, IIOJK.

The reports claimed that Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa, was affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and had previously served in the Pakistan Army.

Indian news agency ANI, citing unnamed sources, reported that Asif was born on March 7, 1980, joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947 and retired as a havildar.

Several Indian media outlets also published photographs purportedly showing the former Pakistan Army official.

After presenting the reports to the media, Lt Gen Sharif invited Asif himself to the podium.

Asif told journalists that he was himself surprised when his friends and relatives began calling him after the reports of his alleged death circulated, demonstrating that he was alive.

“I am a resident of Pindi Gheb, Attock district. I [first] came to know about my martyrdom at the hands of Indians through social media,” he said, adding that Indian media carried out false propaganda against him. He condemned the allegations claiming he was involved in terrorist incidents.

The military spokesperson said the Indian corps claimed killing a retired SSG havildar and they had found his body. It was no new thing as India for decades had been carrying out false flag operations against Pakistan, he maintained.

“Unfortunately, we have a low-life neighbour, who thinks that every thing can be solved through terrorism,” he said.

The DG ISPR said that India’s actions had exposed and embarrassed it before the world. He said India is the world’s biggest supporter of terrorism, with organisations such as the Mukti Bahini, BLA and TTP among them. He alleged that India funds these organisations and also targets Muslims with terrorism within its own borders. “Today’s Hindustan has become an encounteristan.”

The Pakistan Army spokesperson further said that the Sikh and Christian communities in India also face terrorism. He said that India has extended its alleged terrorism to other countries, adding that India not only engages in terrorism but also takes pride in it.

To a query, what if India carries out an attack on the basis of the fake news of killing of a Pakistani army official in an encounter, the DG ISPR said Pakistan was always ready, if they wanted to do anything. But let me make it very clear that this time Pakistan would inflict a cost that will be very severe and the retribution will be really harsh, he said.

“They can try their luck, if they want to do this on the basis of this news,” he said.

To another query, he said there should be no doubt about Pakistan’s commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance and sanctity of harmain sharifain.