In a renewed disinformation campaign, Indian media has alleged that Pakistan is redirecting Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) development budget to fund China-led CPEC projects; an accusation that lacks any factual basis and fits a recurring pattern of misinformation targeting Pakistan-China cooperation.
This narrative follows a familiar playbook. In past instances of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, global media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Reuters, TRT, and Al Jazeera have uncovered false claims circulated by Indian news organizations. These included fabricated military achievements and staged protest coverage, often blurring the line between journalism and state-sponsored propaganda.
Prominent Indian news channels like Zee News, Times Now, NDTV, and Aaj Tak have previously broadcast footage from international conflict zones, such as Gaza and Sudan, claiming it showed unrest in Pakistan. Such practices not only compromised professional ethics but also severely damaged India’s credibility on the global stage.
In a rare moment, a senior Indian security official acknowledged that disinformation was a deliberate strategy, one that ultimately misled the Indian public and backfired.
The latest claims regarding the diversion of AJK’s funds for CPEC projects fall into the same pattern. In reality, CPEC initiatives are financed through a mix of Chinese investments, concessional loans, and allocations from Pakistan’s federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). These funds are separate from AJK’s own development budget and are designated for national infrastructure priorities.
India’s criticism is particularly ironic given its own record in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Since the 2019 revocation of Article 370, development funding in IIOJK has become centrally controlled, often diverted toward militarization rather than community welfare. Meanwhile, reports of land seizures, internet shutdowns, unemployment, and human rights abuses continue to challenge India’s claims of “normalcy” in the region.
In contrast, CPEC projects in AJK, including the Kohala Hydropower Project and major road upgrades, aim to foster long-term economic development. These efforts are being implemented with local stakeholder engagement and are designed to generate employment, boost energy supply, and enhance connectivity within the region.
India’s misinformation campaign must also be understood within the context of its broader opposition to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and discomfort over growing Pakistan-China economic collaboration. The objective appears to be to weaken public trust in regional development efforts and to stall progress that could elevate Pakistan’s regional economic standing.
Despite such narratives, Pakistan remains committed to AJK’s advancement. Any budget realignments arise from evolving national needs or emergency requirements, not as part of a covert funding diversion scheme.
AJK has witnessed notable improvements in education, health, infrastructure, and energy access, achievements realized through sustained federal investment and strategic planning.
Ultimately, India’s allegations are not only unfounded but also reflect an attempt to deflect attention from its own governance failures in Kashmir. For the people of AJK, CPEC represents an opportunity, not a threat, offering a pathway to inclusive, long-term prosperity backed by regional cooperation.
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