SRINAGAR, Occupied Kashmir: Indian authorities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir reported the seizure of a balloon bearing the name of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Poonch district in the Occupied Kashmir.
The balloon, featuring the national flag-carrier’s name, logo, and livery colors, was allegedly discovered in Tain Mankote in Mendhar area by the Indian Army. The authorities stated that the balloon is currently in the possession of the Army for a required assessment.
This incident adds to a series of peculiar claims made by Indian authorities in the past, where objects and animals crossing the border were hyped by the Indian media. Such incidents have often been criticized, with some viewing them as attempts to sensationalize trivial occurrences. In 2015, a pigeon captured for crossing the border into Pathankot area was portrayed as a spy, and last year, Indian Border Security Forces claimed to have captured another “Pakistani spy pigeon” in occupied Kashmir.
These claims have occasionally led to international ridicule, with critics pointing out the absurdity of treating routine incidents, such as toys used by children or animals crossing borders, as significant security threats. The latest seizure of a PIA-branded balloon is seen by some as part of a pattern where even mundane objects are given undue attention, contributing to the strained narrative between India and Pakistan.
