George Wilhelm once noted: “The most important lesson in history is that no one has ever learned a lesson in history. This observation seems particularly relevant today, because Indian leadership seems to repeat past errors – this time by broadcasting misleading accounts on Pakistan and the economic corridor of China -Pakistan (CPEC).
In the latest wave of disinformation, the Indian media allegedly alleged that Pakistan diverts the development budget of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to finance CPEC projects led by Chinese. These affirmations are not only baseless, but also reflect a familiar model of media campaigns supported by the State which previously led to international embarrassment for India.
During a recent climbing in Indian-Pakistani tensions, several renowned world points of sale, especially The New York Times,, The Washington Post,, Reuters,, TRT,, Al Jazeeraand the Bbc– Distributed stories exposed promoted by the Indian media.
According to The Washington PostNumerous Indian information channels, apparently influenced by the government of the BJP in power, have disseminated unaccompanied and false reports, including fictitious military victories and staged troubles. These actions scrambled the border between journalism and propaganda, a deception of audiences both at the national and international level.
Canals such as Zee News,, NDTV,, AAJ TakAnd Time now Even the video sequences have even represented other areas of conflict – such as Gaza and Sudan – like scenes from Pakistan. These manipulated visuals not only undermined journalistic integrity, but also seriously damaged India’s credibility.
A senior Indian security official admitted later: “False information was a strategy, but it was returned to our own people”. This rare confession highlighted the risks associated with disinformation campaigns, in particular in a region as sensitive as South Asia.
The recent allegations of India concerning the financing of the CPEC in the AJK follow this same model of distortion. Unlike these assertions, projects within the framework of the CPEC are funded by a combination of Chinese investment, concessional loans and public sector development program (PSDP) in Pakistan.
These funds are entirely separate from the AJK regional development budget and are designated for specific infrastructure objectives.
It is particularly ironic for India to question development spending at AJK, given its own policies in Jammu-et-Cachemire occupied by illegally Indian (Iiojk). Since the revocation of article 370 in 2019, the local governance of IIOJK has been weakened, the development budgets controlled and often diverted to security and militarization rather than public well-being.
Land dispossession reports, high unemployment, digital failures and human rights violations expose the gap between India’s account of “normality” and the real conditions of the region.
On the other hand, projects related to the CPEC in AJK – such as the Kohala hydroelectric project and improvements in road infrastructure – are designed to provide long -term socioeconomic advantages. These initiatives, developed in consultation with local authorities, promote job creation, energy generation and regional connectivity, aligning with the wider objectives of Pakistan for inclusive development.
India’s disinformation efforts must also be seen in the broader context of its opposition to the belt and road to China (BRI) initiative and try to destabilize regional cooperation that could strengthen the economic force of Pakistan. The objective seems to be clear: to sow discord among local communities and undermine confidence in the Pakistani-Chinese collaboration.
Nevertheless, Pakistan’s commitment to AJK’s development remains unshakable. Budget adjustments occur due to the change in national priorities, emergencies or unforeseen challenges – not within the framework of any system of embezzlement for projects supported abroad.
Over the years, AJK has experienced real progress in education, health care, infrastructure and energy – achievements made possible thanks to coherent investment and federal support.
The recent allegations of India are not in fact founded and seem to be an effort to divert attention from its internal challenges to cashmere, as well as its discomfort on the growing success of the CPEC. For the AJK people, this initiative does not represent a threat but a promising path towards prosperity.
In the end, it is unlikely that India’s attempts to distribute economic disinformation to resist the reality of progress in the field and local support for the CPEC.
