George Wilhelm once noted, “The most important lesson in the story is that no one has ever learned a lesson from the story.” This observation seems particularly relevant today, as Indian leadership seems to be repeating previous error-by-this time by spreading misleading tales of Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In the latest wave of disinformation, Indian media has claimed that Pakistan is redirecting Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) development budget to finance Chinese-led CPEC projects. These claims are not only baseless, but also reflect a well -known pattern of state -sponsored media campaigns that have previously resulted in international embarrassment to India.
During a recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, several reputable global business-inclusive New York TimesAt Washington PostAt ReutersAt TRTAt Al Jazeeraand BBC– Exposed fabricated stories promoted by Indian media.
According to Washington PostSeveral Indian news channels, apparently influenced by the ruling BJP government, did not send out -verified and false reports, including fictitious military victories and staged unrest. These actions blurred the line between journalism and propaganda, misleading audience both domestic and internationally.
Channels like Zee NewsAt NdtvAt Aaj Thanksand Times now Even incorrectly represented video footage from other conflict zones – such as Gaza and Sudan – as scenes from Pakistan. Such manipulated the visuals undermined not only journalistic integrity, but also severely damaged India’s credibility.
A senior Indian security employee later admitted, “False information was a strategy, but it backed back on our own people.” This rare confession emphasized the risk associated with incorrect information campaigns, especially in a region as sensitive as South Asia.
India’s recent allegations of CPEC financing in AJK follow the same pattern of distortion. Unlike these claims, projects are financed under the CPEC frameworks through a combination of Chinese investments, concession loans and awards from Pakistan’s Federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
These funds are completely separate from AJK’s regional development budget and are designated for specific infrastructure targets.
It is especially ironic for India to question the development costs of AJK considering its own policies in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, local governance in IIOJK has been weakened, with development budgets centrally controlled and often redirected to security and militarization rather than public welfare.
Reports of land removal, high unemployment, digital blackouts and human rights violations reveal further gap between India’s tale of “normality” and the facts of the region.
In contrast, CPEC-related projects in AJK-such as the Kohala Vandkraft project and improvements in the road infrastructure are designed to bring long-term socio-economic benefits. These initiatives, developed in consultation with local authorities, promote job creation, energy production and regional connection that are adapted to Pakistan’s broader goals for inclusive development.
India’s disinformation efforts must also be seen in the wider context of its resistance to China’s belt and road initiative (BRI) and trying to destabilize regional cooperation that could strengthen Pakistan’s financial strength. The goal seems to be clear: to sow disagreement among local communities and undermine confidence in Pakistan-China cooperation.
Nevertheless, Pakistan’s commitment to AJK’s development remains unwavering. Budget adjustments occur due to changing national priorities, emergencies or unforeseen challenges-not as part of any scheme to divert funds for foreign supported projects.
Over the years, AJK has witnessed real progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure and energy – made possible through uniform investment and federal support.
India’s recent accusations are actually unfounded and appear to be an effort to divert attention from its internal challenges in Kashmir as well as its discomfort over CPEC’s growing success. For the people of AJK, this initiative does not represent a threat, but a promising path to prosperity.
Ultimately, India’s attempt to spread financially wrong information is unlikely to resist the reality of progress on Earth and local support for CPEC.
