ISLAMABAD: A claim made by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding the burning of a fighter jet flown by 1965 war hero Muhammad Mahmood Alam (M.M. Alam) on May 9 has been proven false.
Two senior officials familiar with the matter have confirmed to a private news channel that the aircraft set on fire was a replica of an F-6 fighter jet displayed as a monument in Mianwali, Punjab, and not the original aircraft flown by M.M. Alam.
Maryam Nawaz Alleges PTI supporters M.M. Alam’s Jet
جس طیارے سے ایم ایم عالم نے ایک منٹ کے اندر بھارت کے چھ جنگی جہاز مار گرائے تھے، تم اور تمھارے بلوائیوں نے قومی فخر کی اس علامت کو جلا کر راکھ کر دیا ؟ عمران تم پاکستانی کہلانے کے لائق ہو؟ تمھارا کوئی رشتہ ہے اس مٹی سے؟ کون ہو تم؟ کس نے تمھیں بھیجا ہے؟ pic.twitter.com/343JaevlLy
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 14, 2023
Maryam Nawaz Sharif had alleged in a tweet on May 14 that supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) burnt down the fighter aircraft associated with M.M. Alam, who shot down six Indian jets within a minute during the 1965 war.
However, the information provided by the officials to a private news channel contradicts Maryam Nawaz’z claim.
According to the news channel citing officials, the actual aircraft flown by M.M. Alam is exhibited at the Pakistan Air Force Museum in Karachi, Sindh.
The aircraft attacked in Mianwali was a replica of an F-6, lacking an engine and made of ceramic material. The attack only caused damage to the ceramic coating, which has since been repainted, restoring the monument to its original state.
This fact check serves as a reminder to verify information before sharing it on social media platforms. Inaccurate claims can contribute to misinformation and distort public understanding of events.
