Pakistan has weaponized a controversial statement made by Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah regarding Colonel Sofia, using it as a tool for propaganda. Pakistan's state-run television channel showcased this statement during prime time, attempting to portray India as anti-Muslim.
New Delhi: In a continuation of its long-standing practice of tarnishing India's image on the international stage, Pakistan has once again fueled anti-India propaganda. This time, Pakistan has used a controversial statement by Vijay Shah, Madhya Pradesh's Minister for Tribal Affairs, as ammunition. Shah made a derogatory remark about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a senior female officer in the Indian Army. Pakistan has significantly amplified this statement through its state-run channel, PTV, and other media platforms.
A Plot to Portray India as an Anti-Muslim Nation
Pakistan's state and private news channels prominently featured this statement. PTV, in its prime-time program, claimed that even Muslim officers serving in the Indian Army are now unsafe. Geo News and Jang TV echoed this sentiment, asserting that Muslims in India are facing hatred, and Shah's statement against Colonel Sofia serves as proof.
How Pakistan Spread This False Narrative
PTV's special program stated that a senior leader of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) labeled a loyal female army officer as a terrorist, highlighting the Hindutva agenda. It claimed that Muslim women are no longer safe in the army under Modi's rule. Through such statements, Pakistan is attempting to show that the Muslim community in India is continuously suppressed and that religious minorities have no respect left.
Spreading Hatred Through Social Media
Not just television channels, but thousands of social media handles in Pakistan have also intensified propaganda surrounding this issue, using fake posts and inflammatory graphics. The aim is to defame India as an "anti-minority nation" and a "Muslim-hating regime." Even spokespersons from the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on this issue, citing it as an example of India's "religious intolerance."
What is at the Heart of the Controversy?
During a public event, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah made a statement about Colonel Sofia, saying, "One should be wary of such people; they can be a threat to the country." This remark faced widespread criticism across the nation. The Supreme Court took cognizance and asked the minister to issue a public apology. The Madhya Pradesh High Court also took suo moto cognizance and filed an FIR against him.
Experts' Opinion: Not Propaganda, But Strategy
Experts on diplomatic affairs believe that Pakistan's reaction is not spontaneous but part of a well-calculated strategy. Professor Ashish Gupta, a South Asia expert, states that Pakistan aims to put India in the dock before the international community by giving a religious angle to India's internal affairs. This statement provided them with an opportunity.
While the BJP has dismissed the statement as a "personal opinion," the opposition continues to demand strict action against leaders who could damage India's international image.
