Shehbaz Sharif Mocked for Gifting Edited Chinese Drill Photo as ‘Operation Bunyan’ Memento to Pak Army Chief
A Misstep That Went Viral
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has landed in an online storm after gifting a framed image to Army Chief General Asim Munir—a gesture intended to honour Pakistan’s response to India’s Operation Sindoor. But what was meant as a symbol of military pride has backfired spectacularly.
The image, presented during a high-profile dinner celebrating Pakistan’s so-called “Operation Bunyan al-Marsus”, was soon exposed by netizens as being lifted from a 2019 Chinese military drill. What followed was a wave of satire, mockery, and biting commentary across social media platforms.
The Controversial Gift of Shehbaz Sharif That Sparked Global Ridicule
The framed photo was showcased during a ceremonial dinner hosted by General Munir to acknowledge Pakistan’s political and military leadership for their participation in the four-day skirmish with India. Shehbaz Sharif’s team claimed the image depicted the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s forces during Operation Bunyan.
But sharp-eyed social media users quickly identified the scene as a well-known image from a past People’s Liberation Army (PLA) drill, widely available online since 2019. As the revelation spread, the image shifted from a symbol of military prowess to one of national embarrassment.
“Photoshop Warfare”: Internet Reacts with Sarcasm and Memes
Online users, especially on X (formerly Twitter), had a field day with the revelation. One viral post quipped,
Pakistan's latest masterpiece: Shehbaz Sharif presents a photoshopped painting from a 2019 Chinese drill to Failed Marshal Asim Munir 🎨💥
— Yash Rawat (@Yashfacts28) May 25, 2025
Guess when you can’t win on the battlefield, you win in Canva #LumberOneFauj pic.twitter.com/pteqdcsGqV
“Pakistan’s latest masterpiece: Shehbaz Sharif presents a photoshopped painting from a 2019 Chinese drill to Failed Marshal Asim Munir. Guess when you can’t win on the battlefield, you win in Canva.”
Another user mockingly asked,
“Should we call it a country?”
Meme-makers and digital artists took full advantage of the blunder, comparing Pakistan’s military propaganda to graphic design competitions and questioning the authenticity of its defence communications.
A Pattern of Propaganda Over Precision?
This isn’t Pakistan’s first time being called out for manipulating military visuals. In the past, critics have pointed to instances where stock footage or altered images were presented as evidence of operations or capabilities. Analysts suggest that the military establishment’s reliance on digital narratives reflects deeper issues around transparency and credibility.
In contrast, India’s Operation Sindoor, conducted in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, was a decisive and strategic military strike, eliminating over 100 terrorists and targeting key infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. The stark contrast between India’s precise operation and Pakistan’s symbolic Photoshop war has only fueled further scepticism of Islamabad’s defence claims.
Blunder or Strategy? What This Means for Pakistan’s Image
The incident has not only sparked laughter but also raised serious questions about Pakistan’s military credibility. If its government and military leadership resort to repurposing foreign images for official recognition, where does the line between public relations and misinformation lie?
Some believe this is simply another instance of Pakistan trying to project power through perception, while others see it as a warning sign of the disconnect between narrative and reality.
Conclusion: When Optics Backfire
In the age of open-source intelligence and digitally-savvy citizens, authenticity is non-negotiable—especially in matters of national defence. While Shehbaz Sharif’s gift may have been well-intentioned, the fallout from this visual gaffe has turned into an international meme moment.
As critics and observers weigh in, one thing is clear: credibility can’t be edited, and the internet never forgets.
- #ShehbazSharif
- #PhotoshopFail
- #OperationBunyan
- #PakArmy
- #MemeNews
- #ChinaDrill
- #PakistanPolitics
- #SocialMediaTrolls
- #FakeNews
- #PakistanIndia
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