credibility is inconsequential here
In war enemies engage in IO ops and narrative shaping
In 2019 Balakot Pakis got to shape the narrative for its locals that only trees and crows were killed. They nicely closed off the area for a month, covering up
- India's airstrike
- It was terror school
This time, it was impossible to do so initially given video of the attack were already in the media
Pak disnfo of 5 Indian aircraft was deliberate. It completely took off the attention from the fact
- Pak was caught pants down against Indian attack
- India successfully struck its targets with impunity
- Pak having terror bases close to border
The entire world right now pulling its hair speculating if its J-10 that shot down SU-30 etc instead of focusing on the above
Remember narrative and IO ops matter a million times more for Pak army
If Pak army is humiliated in the eyes of its people they lose the cushy position in the Pak society. In order get back they may have hang a civilian leader like Bhutto again
Same goes for Nanking Land too.
In India's case its simply the military leader sacked and ruling party loses in the upcoming elections
Also many in Western media are not happy with India like Canada and some are outright historical enemies like UK. So don't be surprised if BBC, reuters and economist spread enemy narrative
American interest is quick de escalation, so CNN may indulge in Paki fantasies to give them a face saving victory.