Pakistani journalist's air conflict reporting tops regional charts

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 January 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Adnan Aamir's reporting on Pakistan's Chinese-made jets downing Indian aircraft in May 2025 became Nikkei Asia's most-read South Asia story, highlighting conflict, deterrence, and verified journalism.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani journalist Adnan Aamir’s report on the India-Pakistan air conflict in May 2025 was recognized as Nikkei Asia’s most-read story from South Asia for the year.

Aamir told JournalismPakistan that amidst numerous major developments, his reporting stood out for readers. He said, "My reporting on how Pakistan used Chinese-made fighter jets to shoot down Indian aircraft during the May crisis emerged as the most-read story of Nikkei Asia in 2025 from South Asia."

Chinese-made jets’ role in South Asia tensions

The story detailed a moment when long-simmering tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into open confrontation. It showed how Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C jets played a decisive role in aerial engagements, downing Indian fighters and challenging assumptions about regional air power. The report highlighted Beijing’s growing influence on Pakistan’s defense capabilities and the direct battlefield consequences of these acquisitions.

Aamir noted that his story resonated because it examined broader implications beyond the clash. It addressed deterrence between nuclear-armed neighbors, shifts in the regional air power balance, and the strategic impact of external military suppliers. Readers gained insight into how future crises in South Asia may unfold based on these developments.

Public backlash and social media attacks follow reporting

The story’s influence extended beyond readership. Indian media anchor Palki Sharma of Firstpost criticized the report, calling it biased and alleging that foreign outlets relied on Pakistani journalists to frame the Kashmir conflict. Following this, Aamir faced coordinated online attacks, including hostile messages questioning his credibility and accusing him of fabrication.

Aamir emphasized that every element of the story was verified. He said, "The assessment that Pakistan’s J-10C jets shot down Indian aircraft, including a Rafale, was confirmed by both U.S. and French intelligence sources. This was not speculation or opinion. It was fact-based journalism grounded in multiple independent confirmations."

The episode reflects the challenges of conflict reporting. Journalists documenting verified facts in tense situations can become targets, but the principle remains that journalism informs the public even when the truth challenges prevailing narratives. The strong response to Aamir’s reporting shows global audiences value clarity, verification, and insights connecting battlefield events with strategic shifts.

KEY POINTS:

• Pakistani journalist Adnan Aamir’s May 2025 air conflict story tops Nikkei Asia readership
• Report detailed Chinese-made J-10C jets downing Indian aircraft, including Rafale
• The story highlighted the regional air power balance and nuclear deterrence concerns
• Indian media backlash and coordinated online attacks followed publication
• Story illustrates global appetite for fact-based, strategic conflict reporting

PHOTO: Adnan Aamir (Facebook)