No Indian Pilot in Custody, Confirms ISPR After Viral Claims

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has firmly denied claims circulating on social media that Pakistan has captured an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, specifically naming Shivangi Singh, India’s only female Rafale pilot.

During a press briefing on Sunday, Lt Gen Chaudhry was asked directly whether Pakistan had taken an Indian pilot into custody following its retaliatory strikes against India in the ongoing military tensions.

“I can confirm to you very clearly that we don’t have any pilot in custody. This is all social media chatter and part of a wave of fake news and propaganda,” he stated.

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Speculation began to spread online shortly after reports of Pakistani counterattacks, with various unverified videos and claims suggesting that Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was captured after her aircraft was shot down. The reports quickly went viral, prompting both Pakistani and Indian authorities to respond.

The Indian government also dismissed the rumors as baseless, advising the public to remain cautious and “not fall for misinformation being spread through unofficial channels.”

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When questioned about ongoing operations by the Indian Air Force despite a publicly announced ceasefire agreement, the ISPR DG reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain alert and fully prepared to respond to any threat.

“We have demonstrated our readiness on the ground, and we remain vigilant at all times,” he added.

This clarification comes at a critical moment of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, as both sides navigate fragile diplomacy and widespread online propaganda.