ISLAMABAD: Prominent American defence analyst Dr. C. Christine Fair has sharply dismissed India’s claims about shooting down Pakistani fighter jets during the recent conflict, labeling them as “bakwas,” an Urdu word meaning nonsense.
In an interview on Indian journalist Karan Thapar’s show, The Interview on The Wire, Dr. Fair rejected statements made by Indian Air Marshal P.K. Bharti, who claimed the Indian Air Force had destroyed a significant portion of Pakistan’s aircraft and heavily damaged major airbases.
“There is absolutely no evidence,” Dr. Fair responded to Bharti’s assertion that 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force was incapacitated. “I’m surprised by that claim… I’ve never heard anything like it before. It’s a bold claim — and clearly false.”
When questioned directly about India’s statements on downed Pakistani jets, Fair interrupted firmly: “Bakwas. There is no proof for that.”
She also dismissed the satellite images presented by Indian officials, which supposedly showed damage to airbases in Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari, calling them unverified and inconclusive.
Dr. Fair’s strong rebuttal is especially significant considering her history of criticizing Pakistan’s regional policies, adding credibility to her challenge of the Indian military’s narrative.
Her comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning the reliability of India’s military claims due to the lack of independent confirmation.
This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions and conflicting stories from both countries following recent clashes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fact-based reporting on issues of national security and cross-border disputes.