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After the controversy of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Capt (retd) Safdar’s arrest intensified in Pakistan, arch-rival India was quick to peddle its propaganda.
Viral footage and news stories were widely shared by the Indian media purportedly showing a civil war-like situation in Karachi between Rangers and Sindh Police. Later, the Indian media also linked Karachi’s Maskan Chowrangi blast with the Civil War.
The Indian media falsely reported that the Sindh police and Rangers who reached the scene for rescue efforts and to cordon off the area began fighting amongst each other. Let’s took an in-depth review of what actually happened and how India propagated it.
What actually happened
The arrest of PML-N leader Capt Safdar on charges of political sloganeering at Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum and leave applications by senior police officers was exploited by the top Indian news channels, who portrayed an administrative issue as a civil war.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sindh IGP, at least two additional inspectors general, seven deputy inspectors general and six senior superintendents of Sindh police decided to go on long leave in protest over the Oct 19 siege of IG Sindh House.
In an attempt to woo back the ‘demoralised’ and ‘shocked’ police force, the PPP chairman along with the chief minister and provincial ministers visited the IG residence later in the night.
Later in the day, the police officials announced they were deferring their leaves as COAS Bajwa had taken notice and ordered an immediate inquiry.
Indian media reports
Despite Indian media reports, there were no clashes or riots, just a very busy day at the newsroom. The Indian media went to the extent of even reporting casualties and armed clashes. Here’s a brief look at how Indian media were reporting:
A renowned Indian media outlet, the International Herald, claimed that nearly 10 police officers in Karachi were killed in clashes between Sindh police and Rangers as a civil war had supposedly broken out.
10 Karachi police officers died in Clashes between police and Pakistan Army
— The International Herald (@TheIntlHerald) October 20, 2020
Indian news channel CNN News 18 claimed that the army had taken over all police stations in Karachi.
#NewsAlert | Clashes break between Pak Army and Police.
Army takes over all Karachi Police stations.
Ex-Indian Ambassador @asajjanhar and @PramitWorld (Foreign Expert) shares his opinion.
Join the broadcast with @JamwalNews18. pic.twitter.com/bo61nxggH1
— CNNNews18 (@CNNnews18) October 21, 2020
#NewsAlert | Clashes break between Pak Army and Police.
Army takes over all Karachi Police stations.
Ex-Indian Ambassador @asajjanhar and @PramitWorld (Foreign Expert) shares his opinion.
Join the broadcast with @JamwalNews18. pic.twitter.com/bo61nxggH1
— CNNNews18 (@CNNnews18) October 21, 2020
A former Indian major and member of India’s ruling party claimed that “10 civilians were killed”.
Civil War breaks out in Pakistan
In last 15 hrs Pak Army
-Killed 10 police officers in Karanchi
-Crushed few civilians by armoured vehicle
-Abducted IG of Sindh Police– Police also killed 5 Army Jawans
– Now Sindh police officers going on mass leave
– #BlastInKarachi https://t.co/kJsZQMYZBa pic.twitter.com/kU7UR19YD8— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) October 21, 2020
An advocate of the Indian Supreme Court said that an army-police clash had broken out, adding that many officers had died.
Civil War like situation in Pakistan.
Army-Police clash in Karanchi, many officers are died.
Maximum Police Officers from Sindh have went on Leave. They are demanding Sindhu Desh.
Imran has ordered to play Pak National songs on Radio.
— Prashant Patel Umrao (@ippatel) October 20, 2020
Journalism Ethics
Indian journalism has been creaking under the burden of unethical practices. The news reports were part of a persistent barrage of fake news from Indian mainstream media on social media over the past few months.
The trend has witnessed a sharp spike as part of India’s fifth-generation war against Pakistan. The Indian media churned out fake news but were overpowered by the anti-Pakistan hysteria undermining its professional ethics and credibility.
All major media outlets decimated all journalistic norms and ethics. India’s News18, India Today, Zee News, India.com and several others showed old and fake videos and wrongly portrayed it.
