Following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26, social media posts on X allege Pakistan Air Force aircraft movements towards bases near J&K. While flight tracking data fuels speculation, experts caution against drawing firm conclusions without official confirmation amidst the complex India-Pakistan dynamic.
By PC Bureau
New Delhi, April 23, 2025:
Social media platform X was abuzz on April 23, with posts claiming that Pakistan has deployed military assets to air bases near Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. These claims, largely based on flight data from the tracking website Flightradar24, have sparked speculation about escalating tensions in the region.
While the posts have gained significant traction, no official confirmation from either Pakistan or India has substantiated these allegations. Here, we explore the details of these claims, the context of the Pahalgam attack, and the broader implications for India-Pakistan relations.
The Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath
The trigger for these claims appears to be a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked terrorists, operating under the proxy group The Resistance Front (TRF), opened fire on tourists, killing at least 26 people, including foreign visitors. The TRF claimed responsibility, citing India’s issuance of domicile certificates to non-locals in J&K as a motive, alleging it was an attempt to alter the region’s demographics. The attack, described as one of the deadliest in recent years, has heightened security concerns in the Kashmir Valley and beyond, with major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai placed on high alert.
Flight data shows Pakistan deploying military assets to bases near J&K pic.twitter.com/OIlJeBgFPb
— RedboxGlobal India (@REDBOXINDIA) April 23, 2025
In the wake of this incident, posts on X began circulating screenshots from Flightradar24, purportedly showing Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft moving from the Southern Air Command in Karachi to bases near Lahore and Rawalpindi. These locations are significant as they host PAF bases like Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, one of Pakistan’s major operational hubs, and are among the closest to India’s northern borders. Two specific flights were highlighted: PAF198, a Lockheed C-130E Hercules transport aircraft, and PAF101, an Embraer Phenom 100 jet, often used for VIP transport or intelligence operations.
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Social Media Claims and Flight Data
The posts suggested that Pakistan’s military movements were a direct response to the Pahalgam attack. One post claimed, “Flight data shows Pakistan deploying military assets to bases near J&K,” accompanied by hashtags like #PahalgamTerroristAttack. Another speculated that the deployments were orchestrated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to provoke a limited conflict, potentially to bolster the Pakistan Army’s domestic reputation.
Flightradar24, a publicly accessible platform, tracks aircraft in real-time using transponder signals. While it can provide data on military aircraft if their transponders are active, the platform’s information is not comprehensive, as military flights often operate with transponders off for security reasons. The screenshots shared on X allegedly showed PAF aircraft relocating to northern bases, but without official verification, the data remains inconclusive. Experts caution that flight tracking data can be misinterpreted, and civilian platforms like Flightradar24 may not capture the full scope of military operations.
Pakistan readies for Full Fledged War! Come on Beggars show us your might!
Flight data shows Pakistan deploying military assets to bases near J-K
After a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam a series of alleged asset movements by Pakistan has surfaced on the net pic.twitter.com/N11UYWatQn— Goutam Mitra (@goutammitra23) April 23, 2025
Historical Context and Regional Tensions
The claims of Pakistani military deployments are not new and must be viewed in the context of longstanding India-Pakistan tensions over Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been a flashpoint since the 1947 partition, with both nations claiming parts of it, leading to multiple wars and skirmishes. The Line of Control (LoC) separates Indian-administered J&K from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and both sides maintain significant military presence along this border.
Previous incidents have seen similar allegations of military movements. For instance, in 2020, reports indicated Pakistan deployed an additional 20,000 troops along the LoC, alongside activating radars and air bases like Skardu in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In 2019, following India’s airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, Pakistan’s Air Force was placed on high alert, with F-16 fighters deployed along the border. These precedents lend credence to the possibility of military repositioning, but they also highlight the need for verified intelligence over social media speculation.
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The Pahalgam attack has reignited accusations of Pakistan’s support for terrorism in J&K. Indian officials and security analysts often point to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s ISI, as key drivers of insurgency in the region. In 2024, Indian security forces reported killing 75 terrorists in J&K, with 60% being foreign (primarily Pakistani), underscoring the persistent cross-border threat. Pakistan, however, denies these allegations, accusing India of human rights violations in J&K and framing its military posture as defensive.
Analyzing the Implications
If the flight data claims are accurate, Pakistan’s redeployment of aircraft could signal several strategic objectives. The movement of a C-130E Hercules, a transport aircraft, might indicate logistical support or troop movements, while the Embraer Phenom 100 could be used for reconnaissance or command purposes. Positioning assets near Lahore and Rawalpindi places them within striking distance of J&K, potentially as a show of force or preparation for contingencies following the Pahalgam attack.
However, several factors urge caution in interpreting these claims:
- Lack of Official Confirmation: Neither the Pakistan Air Force nor Indian authorities have verified the alleged deployments, and social media posts alone are insufficient to establish facts.
- Flight Data Limitations: Military aircraft often operate covertly, and the visibility of PAF flights on Flightradar24 could be intentional or anomalous, not necessarily indicative of a broader strategy.
- Domestic and Regional Dynamics: Pakistan’s military may be responding to domestic pressures or seeking to project strength amid internal political challenges. The X post alleging an ISI-orchestrated move to “trigger a limited conflict” for reputational gains reflects such speculation but lacks evidence.
For India, the reports have amplified security concerns. The Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Air Force, and paramilitary units like the CRPF, maintain a robust presence in J&K, with special forces like the Para SF and MARCOS deployed to counter insurgency. The Indian Air Force operates from key bases like Srinagar and Jammu, which have faced attacks in the past, including a suspected drone strike in 2021 linked to Pakistan. Any confirmed Pakistani buildup would likely prompt India to bolster its defenses further, raising the risk of escalation.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The alleged deployments also occur against the backdrop of Pakistan’s strengthening military ties with China and Turkey. In November 2024, Pakistan conducted artillery tests near the LoC, showcasing systems developed with Chinese and Turkish assistance, such as a 155 mm truck-mounted howitzer. Reports from 2020 noted Chinese air activity at Skardu, raising concerns about a potential two-front challenge for India involving both Pakistan and China. These developments suggest that any military posturing by Pakistan could have wider regional implications, especially given India’s ongoing tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The claims of Pakistan deploying military assets near Jammu and Kashmir, as highlighted by flight data shared on X, have fueled speculation about rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. While the screenshots from Flightradar24 provide a glimpse into possible PAF movements, the lack of official confirmation and the limitations of open-source data urge caution in drawing conclusions. The India-Pakistan rivalry, rooted in the Kashmir dispute, remains a volatile issue, with both sides maintaining significant military readiness along the LoC.
As the situation develops, verified intelligence and diplomatic channels will be critical to assessing the true nature of Pakistan’s actions and preventing miscalculations. For now, the social media chatter reflects heightened public concern but falls short of providing definitive evidence. The international community, including organizations like the United Nations, continues to monitor the Kashmir conflict, advocating for de-escalation and dialogue to address the region’s complex challenges.
