The image in question, which showed a formation of troops and military vehicles, was initially circulated by Pakistani official channels with claims it documented the operational prowess of Pakistan’s forces. However, sharp-eyed netizens rapidly identified the scene as matching photos from the 2019 People’s Liberation Army drills in China’s western desert region. These exercises, widely documented by international media and defence observers, were not linked to Pakistan’s military actions.
The episode has stirred a wave of online debate and criticism, with military experts and commentators accusing the Pakistan Army of attempting to fabricate a narrative to boost morale amid ongoing challenges in its security landscape. Critics have questioned the judgement of the army’s leadership for presenting a foreign military image as a trophy of a domestic operation, highlighting concerns over transparency and credibility.
General Asim Munir, who assumed his role as Pakistan’s army chief earlier this year, has sought to consolidate his position by emphasising military strength and operational readiness. The presentation of the framed image at a prestigious event was widely viewed as a symbolic gesture reinforcing his leadership. The gifting of the artwork to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, perceived as an endorsement of civilian-military cooperation, was intended to demonstrate unified national resolve. Yet, the incident has cast doubts over the authenticity of official narratives promoted by the army leadership.
The backlash reflects deeper tensions within Pakistan’s political-military relations, where symbolic displays of power are frequently employed to project confidence amid political uncertainty and regional security challenges. The army’s role in shaping public perception remains crucial in a country where military influence pervades key national institutions. This misstep, therefore, may undermine efforts to present a coherent and credible image to both domestic and international audiences.
Defense analysts have highlighted that the incident underscores the growing influence of social media in holding institutions accountable. The speed at which the image was identified and debunked demonstrates how digital platforms serve as watchdogs, challenging official accounts and demanding evidence-based reporting. This phenomenon complicates efforts by state actors to control information and shape narratives without scrutiny.
The Pakistani military’s operation named Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which was claimed to be a significant manoeuvre against India, has remained largely opaque with limited verified details emerging from independent sources. Analysts note that such operations often carry political weight beyond their tactical implications, serving as signals in the fraught India-Pakistan security dynamic. The controversy over the image could detract from the intended messaging, raising questions about the operation’s actual outcomes.
Experts point out that using imagery from a foreign military exercise not only damages the credibility of the Pakistan Army but also risks diplomatic embarrassment. The Chinese military, while a close strategic partner of Pakistan, is unlikely to appreciate their exercises being misrepresented in another country’s domestic propaganda. The situation may complicate the delicate balance of military cooperation between the two nations.
Pakistan’s military has faced mounting pressures both internally and externally, grappling with economic challenges, counterterrorism efforts, and tensions along the Line of Control with India. Efforts to bolster morale and nationalistic sentiment through public displays of military success have become increasingly important for the army’s leadership. However, credibility issues such as this could undermine confidence both within the armed forces and among the civilian population.
The Pakistani government has not issued a formal statement addressing the controversy over the image, and no clarification has been forthcoming about the provenance of the artwork or the circumstances under which it was presented. This silence has further fuelled speculation and criticism, with observers interpreting it as an attempt to avoid accountability.
Public reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly sceptical, with users sharing comparisons between the framed picture and archived images of the PLA exercises. Commentators have expressed concerns over misinformation and the erosion of trust in official communications. Some have called for greater transparency and oversight regarding the military’s public claims.
This incident is emblematic of wider challenges faced by military and political institutions in managing information in an age of instant global scrutiny. The interplay between official narratives, media scrutiny, and public perception has become a defining feature of modern security affairs, especially in regions marked by conflict and rivalry.
Pakistan’s leadership will likely need to address the fallout from this episode carefully to restore credibility. As military operations and their portrayal remain central to national identity and political legitimacy, maintaining a truthful and consistent communication strategy is essential. Otherwise, risks persist of further damaging trust in key institutions tasked with safeguarding national security.