Maryam Mastoor
Ms Maryam Mastoor is a Research Analyst at the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: Fake news, Pulwama Attack, Balakot Strikes, India Pakistan Conflict
Abstract
A state’s behaviour towards another state depends on the information it receives. If information becomes disinformation, the results could be devastating. Pakistan and India have been at loggerheads since independence. Any disinformation or even wrong perception can lead the two countries to war. In this fragile relationship, it is very easy to fan war jingoism in both states. This paper aims to cover the flow of fake news in both states following the Pulwama attack in February 2019. Mainly three spells of fake news dispersal are analysed in this paper. News regarding Balakot strikes, use of F-16 aircraft by Pakistan, and a round of LOC violations. The paper discusses how both states reacted to these instances of widely spread fake news. The paper argues that the two states came to the verge of a war owing to the fake news, which was perpetrated by Prime Minister Modi to gain popularity and win elections that were scheduled to be held in April 2019.
First Published
December 25, 2020
How to Cite
Maryam Mastoor, “Balakot Strikes: Deception and Reality through the Lens of Media” Regional Studies 38, no.4 (Winter 2020): 43-65, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/balakot-strikes-deception-and-reality-through-the-lens-of-media/
Issue
Volume 38, Issue 4