In a recent press briefing, Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi strongly refuted Pakistan's claims of successful attacks on key Indian defense systems, labeling them as false and part of a coordinated misinformation campaign. This rebuttal comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following the deadly Pahalgam attack in April 2025 and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory move.

Colonel Qureshi specifically addressed and dismissed Pakistan's assertions regarding damage to India's S-400 and BrahMos missile bases, as well as alleged strikes on airfields and ammunition depots. She stated unequivocally that no such damage had occurred. Furthermore, she condemned Pakistan's accusations concerning harm to religious sites, reaffirming India's secular values and the Indian Army's commitment to inclusivity and integrity.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, also present at the briefing, supported Colonel Qureshi's statements, presenting time-stamped images of airbases in Sirsa and Suratgarh to debunk Pakistan's claims of destruction. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri echoed these sentiments, accusing Pakistani state agencies of resorting to "lies, misinformation, and propaganda". He asserted that Pakistan's claims of attacking and destroying various military installations in India were completely false.

These developments occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions and a history of conflict between India and Pakistan. The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national, has further strained relations. India has attributed the attack to the Islamic Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Colonel Qureshi's strong rebuttal and the united front presented by Indian officials underscore India's commitment to defending its interests and countering what it perceives as a deliberate misinformation campaign by Pakistan. The Indian government has also accused Pakistan of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, further escalating the conflict.

India-Pakistan relations have been complex and largely hostile since the partition of British India in 1947. The two countries have fought several wars and have been involved in numerous conflicts and disputes. Despite attempts to improve relations, cross-border terrorism, territorial disputes, and a general lack of trust have kept the relationship strained.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a third-generation army officer, has a distinguished career in the Indian Army. She has served in various prestigious assignments, including a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo. In 2016, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national field training exercise. Her strong stance against Pakistan's claims reflects her commitment to her country and her role in defending its interests.