ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI — Conflicting narratives have emerged following an alleged Indian missile strike on Pakistani territory, with Indian media claiming precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure, while Pakistani officials and international media outlets report civilian casualties. The incident remains unverified by independent observers, raising concerns over misinformation and regional instability.

Leading Indian news outlets—including India Today, NDTV, and the Times of India—have reported that the strike targeted nine alleged terror camps inside Pakistan. According to India Today, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that no civilian, military, or economic targets were hit during the operation.

However, these claims have not been officially confirmed by the Indian government, and no verifiable evidence—such as satellite imagery, third-party assessments, or on-site documentation—has been presented to support them. The absence of transparent and independently validated information has drawn criticism from media analysts and international observers.

In contrast, Pakistani media outlets and journalists on the ground report that the missile strike hit civilian areas. According to multiple sources, including hospital officials and eyewitnesses, at least eight civilians, including one child, were killed, and several injured. These numbers have since been revised.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar stated on Sunday that the confirmed death toll has now risen to eight, with 35 people injured, emphasizing that the highest number of casualties occurred in the city of Ahmedpur East.

The Indian media’s portrayal of the strike as a successful anti-terror operation has come under scrutiny, especially as no independent confirmation has validated the presence of militant targets at the impacted locations. Critics argue that the unverified and possibly false claims by Indian media may mislead public opinion and escalate diplomatic tensions.Both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed states with a long history of border skirmishes and armed conflicts. Media watchdogs and international observers have urged both nations to ensure transparency, avoid premature conclusions, and commit to fact-based communication to avoid the risk of miscalculation.

At present, the international community continues to call for an impartial investigation and independent verification of the events surrounding the strike.