India's disinformation campaign on CPEC and AJK
George Wilhelm once remarked, 'The most important lesson of history is that nobody has ever learned a lesson from history." This observation seems particularly relevant today, as Indian leadership appears to be repeating past mistakes—this time by spreading misleading narratives about Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In the latest wave of disinformation, Indian media has alleged that Pakistan is diverting Azad Jammu and Kashmir's (AJK) development budget to finance Chinese-led CPEC projects. These claims are not only baseless but also reflect a familiar pattern of state-backed media campaigns that have previously resulted in international embarrassment for India.
During a recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, several reputable global outlets—including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, TRT, Al Jazeera, and the BBC—exposed fabricated stories promoted by Indian media.
According to The Washington Post, numerous Indian news channels, seemingly influenced by the ruling BJP government, broadcast unverified and false reports, including fictitious military victories and staged unrest. These actions blurred the line between journalism and propaganda, misleading audiences both domestically and internationally.
Channels such as Zee News, NDTV, Aaj Tak, and Times Now even misrepresented video footage from other conflict zones—such as Gaza and Sudan—as scenes from Pakistan. Such manipulated visuals not only undermined journalistic integrity but also severely damaged India's credibility.
A senior Indian security official later admitted, 'False information was a strategy, but it backfired on our own people.' This rare confession underscored the risks associated with misinformation campaigns, particularly in a region as sensitive as South Asia.
India's recent claims regarding CPEC funding in AJK follow this same pattern of distortion. Contrary to these assertions, projects under the CPEC framework are financed through a combination of Chinese investments, concessional loans, and allocations from Pakistan's federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
These funds are entirely separate from AJK's regional development budget and are designated for specific infrastructure goals.
It is especially ironic for India to question development spending in AJK, given 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 diverted to security and militarization rather than public welfare.
Reports of land dispossession, high unemployment, digital blackouts, and human rights violations further expose the gap between India's narrative of "normalcy" and the actual conditions in the region.
In contrast, CPEC-related projects in AJK—such as the Kohala Hydropower Project and improvements in road infrastructure—are designed to bring long-term socioeconomic benefits. These initiatives, developed in consultation with local authorities, promote job creation, energy generation, and regional connectivity, aligning with Pakistan's broader goals for inclusive development.
India's disinformation efforts must also be seen within the wider context of its opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and attempts to destabilize regional cooperation that could bolster Pakistan's economic strength. The aim appears to be clear: to sow discord among local communities and undermine confidence in Pakistan-China collaboration.
Nevertheless, Pakistan's commitment to AJK's development remains unwavering. Budgetary adjustments occur due to shifting national priorities, emergencies, or unforeseen challenges—not as part of any scheme to divert funds for foreign-backed projects.
Over the years, AJK has witnessed real progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy—achievements made possible through consistent investment and federal support.
India's recent allegations are factually unfounded and appear to be an effort to deflect attention from its internal challenges in Kashmir, as well as its discomfort over CPEC's growing success. For the people of AJK, this initiative represents not a threat but a promising path toward prosperity.
Ultimately, India's attempts to spread economic misinformation are unlikely to withstand the reality of on-the-ground progress and local support for CPEC.
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