Claim: A photo shows Khadijah Shah wearing sweatpants and a cropped top while posing on a rooftop. Fact: The image does not show Khadijah Shah but Elnaaz Norouzi, an Iranian-German actor and model. On 24 May 2023, Facebook page ‘REALITY.of life’ uploaded a post (archive) comprising two pictures, one showing a woman prisoner in police […]
Claim: A video statement of Imran Khan was recorded just before his arrest on 9 May 2023. Fact: The video statement of Imran Khan was actually posted in October 2022. On 9 May 2023, the Press Trust of India (PTI) posted a video statement (archive) of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran […]
Claim: A video shows Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face off against law and enforcement agencies on Kashmir Highway – also known as Srinagar Highway – in Islamabad, following former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest. Fact: The video is unrelated to Khan’s arrest. In fact, it is from 2021 when Honduran migrants clashed with […]
Claim: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has died. Fact: Khan is alive. He was presented in the apex court on 11 May 2023 amid tight security, as can be seen in video footage aired by multiple channels. Fact or Fiction? On 11 May 2023, Twitter user Akku Don (@akku_akku18) posted […]
Claim: A photo shows Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan injured in the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) custody following his arrest. Fact: The photo is unrelated to Khan’s arrest. In fact, it is from May 2013 when Khan fell from a lifter while he was climbing the stage at an election rally in Lahore. Pakistan […]
Claim: Former prime minister Imran Khan’s lawyer said during a media talk that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief told him to convey the following message to his supporters: “Tell the nation that if martial law is imposed by [army chief] Asim Munir, you have to stand strongly for the rule of law.” Fact: The lawyer did […]
Claim: A notification signed by the Islamabad District Magistrate announced a lockdown in Islamabad and Punjab province, claiming that except for essential services such as healthcare, all institutions are to remain closed and the province cordoned off. Fact: The claim is false, and the notification is doctored. The federal government and District Magistrate did not […]
Claim: A tweet by journalist Saleem Safi suggests that Mohsin Dawar, chair of the National Democratic Movement, was killed after his car was fired upon while he was on his way to Islamabad from Peshawar. Fact: The viral tweet is doctored. Safi did not share any such news and no such attack happened. Fact or […]
Claim: A video shows a group of police officers in Lahore in a verbal altercation with women belonging to the PTI, with one of the cops yelling, “Don’t touch me”, and another pushing a woman. The clip goes on to show police baton-charging people near a container and behind barbed wire at the scene. Fact: […]
Claim: A photo shows a huge crowd in Islamabad with some people holding passports and fleeing Pakistan due to the current economic crisis. Fact: The photo dates back to October 2020 when Afghans queued up in Jalalabad, Afghanistan to collect the tokens needed to apply for Pakistan’s visa. On 16 February 2023, Twitter user @rjs32826722 […]
Claim: An image of Fawad Chaudhry’s wife, Hiba Chaudhry, was shared on Twitter with a caption that claims they have arrived at Zaman Park in Lahore for a protest after Fawad Chaudhry was arrested. Fact: The claim is false, as ARY News aired a full press conference of her wearing the same clothes that day […]
Claim: A social media post claims that “condoms cannot prevent HIV” amid reports of a rise in HIV-positive cases in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. Fact: Condoms are the most effective method to prevent HIV when used properly and consistently, according to multiple reputable public health organisations around the world, including the UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS, CDC, NHS, […]