Pakistan’s military establishment has once again faced embarrassment after a Pakistani officer publicly claimed that missile strikes had successfully targeted two Indian airbases that, according to official records and maps, do not actually exist.

The controversy erupted after a video of a Pakistani military officer, identified in reports as Captain Muneeb Zamal, went viral on social media. In the clip, the officer claimed Pakistan had successfully struck “Rajouri Airbase” and “Mamun Airbase” during military operations linked to recent India-Pakistan tensions.

However, defence analysts and online investigators quickly pointed out that no operational Indian Air Force base exists in Rajouri, which is a district in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, Mamun is known as a military cantonment area near Pathankot in Punjab, not an airbase. 

The claims triggered widespread ridicule online, with social media users mocking Pakistan’s apparent geographical errors and questioning the credibility of its military narratives. Memes and sarcastic posts flooded social platforms, with many users joking that Pakistan had managed to destroy airbases that existed only in imagination. 

The incident comes in the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s counter-response under Operation Sindoor. During that period, Pakistan had claimed multiple retaliatory drone and missile strikes against Indian military infrastructure.

Indian defence observers dismissed the latest assertions as another example of propaganda-driven misinformation aimed at domestic audiences. Open-source intelligence analysts also noted the absence of satellite imagery, verified damage reports or independent confirmation supporting Pakistan’s claims.

Critics argue the episode reflects a deeper credibility problem within Pakistan’s military communication strategy, where exaggerated claims and poorly verified narratives often collapse under public scrutiny. Analysts say such incidents risk undermining the legitimacy of genuine military statements during future regional crises.

The controversy has also reignited debate over the role of information warfare in India-Pakistan confrontations. Experts warn that in the era of satellite tracking and open-source verification, inaccurate battlefield claims can rapidly backfire and damage a country’s international image.

Pakistan’s military has so far not issued any detailed clarification regarding the officer’s remarks or the disputed locations. Meanwhile, the viral clip continues to circulate widely online, becoming a fresh source of embarrassment for Islamabad’s military establishment. 

Disclaimer : This image is taken from NDTV.