Pakistan presents 'killed' ex-soldier alive, rejects India's Kashmir operation claims

Pakistan's military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a press conference on Thursday rejecting Indian claims that a former Pakistan Army Special Services Group soldier was killed in a Kashmir operation. Chaudhry presented Muhammad Asif before journalists, who stated he was alive and at home when Indian media reported his death.

The controversy began on September 29 when India's Chinar Corps announced a joint operation in the Korag-Yousmarg area of Budgam. Indian forces initially reported killing an unidentified militant, then identified him as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, an alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba operative.

“After six months of hard work, Musa alias Asif Fauji has been neutralised. Congratulations, applause.”

Approximately 7.5 hours later, Indian news agency ANI cited unnamed sources claiming the deceased was a former Pakistani SSG soldier named Muhammad Asif. India's Home Ministry and Press Information Bureau subsequently linked him to multiple attacks dating back to 2023.

Asif told reporters he joined the Pakistan Army in 2000, entered the SSG in 2005, and retired in 2023 after 18 years of service. He said he received calls from Indian numbers after reports of his alleged killing circulated.

Chaudhry presented a five-point timeline arguing the evolving Indian narrative indicated a staged "false flag" operation. He mocked the claim that "Musa alias Asif Fauji" was neutralised after six months of "Operation Sheruwali."