In yet another example of sensationalism trumping accuracy, segments of Indian media have been exposed for spreading a false and fabricated story alleging that former U.S. President Donald Trump requested air and ground bases from Pakistan for operations against Iran.
Doctored Video at the Centre of the Hoax
The controversy began with a doctored video clip that quickly went viral on social media. The video falsely claims that Trump made the alleged base request during his recent meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at a high-profile event in Washington.
The source of the misinformation? A little-known outlet named “The Daily Guardian”, whose name appears to mimic the internationally respected British newspaper “The Guardian”—an apparent attempt to trick readers into believing the story is credible.
No Evidence, No Request, No Offer
Multiple sources close to the Trump-Munir meeting have categorically denied any discussion regarding military bases. There has been no official or unofficial request from the U.S. government, nor has Pakistan made any such offer. The claim is completely baseless.
Independent defence analysts have also confirmed that the meeting focused on regional stability and strategic cooperation, not military interventions or basing agreements.
Misinformation Following Trump’s White House Invite
The false narrative gained traction after Trump extended a personal lunch invitation to General Munir at the White House, an unprecedented gesture that reportedly caused discomfort within Indian diplomatic circles.
In response, Indian news channel NDTV ran a completely unsubstantiated claim that Pakistan had nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, and that this was the reason for the lunch, another fabrication lacking any supporting evidence.
NDTV further asserted that Pakistan was preparing to offer military support to the U.S. against Iran, a claim dismissed outright by defense insiders in both Washington and Islamabad.
Domestic Echo Chamber: Political YouTubers Join In
The disinformation campaign was amplified by some Pakistani YouTubers affiliated with a specific political party, notably Sabir Shakir and Imran Riaz Khan, who repeated the Indian media’s false claims. Their involvement has given domestic fuel to an already debunked narrative originating outside Pakistan.
Analysts: This is Psychological Warfare
Experts see this as part of a broader Indian media disinformation strategy aimed at disrupting Pakistan’s improving diplomatic posture, especially its efforts to maintain neutrality and stability in the volatile Middle East.
Defense analysts argue that the fake news campaign is not random but part of a coordinated psychological operation designed to:
Undermine Pakistan’s credibility
Create diplomatic friction with allies
Stir regional tensions
Final Word: Media Literacy Is Key
While the Pakistani government has not formally commented, senior defence commentators have urged the public to remain vigilant against such disinformation. They warn that media manipulation, especially from foreign outlets, is increasingly being used as a tool of hybrid warfare to damage Pakistan’s regional and global standing.
