ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistani authorities have firmly rejected recent reports by Indian media alleging that the United States requested military bases in Pakistan for operations against Iran, calling the claims “completely false and baseless.”
Sources in Islamabad attributed the misinformation to a broader campaign of disinformation, stating that such narratives are part of a pattern used to distort facts during periods of heightened regional tension.
“This is part of a broader pattern of disinformation,” the officials said, citing previous false reports related to incidents such as the Jafar Express bombing and cross-border skirmishes.
False Reports Follow High-Level U.S.-Pakistan Meeting
The latest round of misinformation reportedly surfaced after Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Army Chief, held a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The visit marked a historic first—Munir was received without any accompanying senior civilian officials from Pakistan, a gesture viewed as an acknowledgment of the military’s pivotal role in national affairs.
The two-hour luncheon focused on strategic issues, including the Iran-Israel conflict, economic ties, trade, and cryptocurrency. A statement from Pakistan’s military emphasized that President Trump expressed interest in deepening trade relations with Pakistan, describing the meeting as “mutually beneficial.”
“President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests,” the army’s statement read.
Trump Credits Pakistan for Averting Indo-Pak War
President Trump publicly credited both Field Marshal Munir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for halting a potentially catastrophic conflict between India and Pakistan, which escalated following a deadly April 22 attack in Kashmir.
“Two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war; that could have been a nuclear war,” Trump told reporters, adding that he “loves Pakistan” and praised Modi as “a fantastic man.”
However, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri countered Trump’s narrative, stating that the ceasefire was brokered directly between Indian and Pakistani military officials without third-party involvement.
“There was no talk at any stage on subjects like India-U.S. trade deal or U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan,” Misri said, reinforcing New Delhi’s long-standing stance against external mediation.
Strategic Tensions Mount Amid Regional Volatility
Pakistan’s military officials reportedly used the White House meeting to advocate for U.S. restraint regarding the Iran-Israel war. Islamabad has condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran, labeling them violations of international law and a threat to regional stability.
While no formal agreement has emerged from the meeting, analysts believe the engagement reflects a significant shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations, especially after years of stagnation under previous administrations.
Experts Warn of Diplomatic Repercussions
Observers suggest the false narrative propagated by Indian outlets could strain regional dynamics and U.S. relations with both South Asian powers.
“It all boils down to an age-old question: How much can India tolerate U.S.-Pakistan cooperation without it spoiling U.S.-India relations?” said Michael Kugelman of the Asia Pacific Foundation.
With Islamabad urging vigilance against misinformation and emphasizing transparency in its diplomatic engagements, the situation underscores the growing role of media integrity in geopolitical affairs.
