George Wilhelm once commented: “The most important lesson in history is that no one has learned a lesson in history.” This observation seems particularly relevant today, since Indian leadership seems to be repeating past errors, this time by spreading deceptive narratives about Pakistan and the economic corridor of China-Pakistan (CPEC).
In the last wave of misinformation, Indian Media has claimed that Pakistan is diverting the development budget of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to finance CPEC projects led by China. These statements not only have no basis, but also reflect a family pattern of media campaigns backed by the State that have previously resulted in an international shame for India.
During a recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, several global points of sale of good reputation, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, TRT, Al Jazeeraand the BBC– Compound compounds promoted by the Indian media.
According The Washington PostNumerous Indian news channels, apparently influenced by the BJP ruling government, transmit unsectified and false reports, including fictitious military victories and staged disturbances. These actions erased the line between journalism and propaganda, deceiving the public both nationally and internationally.
Channels like Zee news, NDTV, Aaj takand Times now Even the misrepresented video images of other conflict areas, such as Gaza and Sudan, such as Pakistan scenes. Such manipulated images not only undermined journalistic integrity, but also severely damaged the credibility of India.
A senior Indian security official later admitted: “False information was a strategy, but was late in our own people.” This rare confession stressed the risks associated with misinformation campaigns, particularly in a region as sensitive as southern Asia.
The recent statements of India regarding the financing of CPEC in AJK follow this same distortion pattern. Contrary to these statements, projects under the CPEC framework are financed through a combination of Chinese investments, concessional loans and assignments of the Federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
These funds are completely separated from the AJK regional development budget and are designated for specific infrastructure objectives.
It is especially ironic that India question the development expense in AJK, given its own policies in illegally occupied Indians Jammu and Kashmir (Iiojk). Since the revocation of article 370 in 2019, local governance in IIOJK has weakened, with centrally controlled development budgets already diverted to security and militarization instead of public welfare.
Land dispossession reports, high unemployment, digital blackouts and human rights violations further expose the gap between the “normality” narrative of India and real conditions in the region.
In contrast, CPEC -related projects in AJK, such as the Kohala hydroelectric project and improvements in road infrastructure, are designed to bring long -term socio -economic benefits. These initiatives, developed in consultation with local authorities, promote job creation, energy generation and regional connectivity, aligning with the broader objectives of Pakistan for inclusive development.
India’s misinformation efforts should also be seen within the broader context of its opposition to the Belt and Road initiative of China (BRI) and tries to destabilize regional cooperation that could reinforce Pakistan’s economic strength. The objective seems to be clear: to sow discord among local communities and undermine the confidence in the collaboration of Pakistan-China.
However, Pakistan’s commitment to AJK’s development is still unwavering. Budget adjustments occur due to national priorities, emergencies or unforeseen challenges, not as part of any scheme to divert funds for projects backed abroad.
Over the years, AJK has witnessed real progress in education, medical care, infrastructure and energy, possible yields through a constant investment and federal support.
The recent accusations of India are unfounded and seem to be an effort to divert the attention of their internal challenges in Kashmir, as well as their discomfort due to the growing success of CPEC. For AJK people, this initiative does not represent a threat but a promising path towards prosperity.
Ultimately, it is unlikely that India’s attempts to disseminate economic erroneous information resist the reality of progress in the soil and local support for CPEC.
