A fresh wave of deliberate misinformation and malicious propaganda is being circulated by social media accounts affiliated with PTI and Fitna-al-Khawarij, aimed at misleading the public by distorting a photograph taken during the recent visit of religious scholars and tribal elders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Lahore, where they met the Corps Commander.
These accounts are falsely portraying an individual seen in the photograph as a commander of the proscribed organization Ansar-ul-Islam. This claim is entirely baseless and factually incorrect.
The individual in question is Maulana Izzatullah, a respected religious scholar originally from Bagh Maidan, Tirah Valley, and currently residing in Nowshera. He is a well-known and credible religious figure, a member of a 24-member Peace Committee, and an active member of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F). He has also recently contested elections on the platform of the same political party.
Maulana Izzatullah has consistently and openly stood with the state against Fitna-al-Khawarij and has played a constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and harmony in his region. His lifelong contributions to religious guidance and community reconciliation are a matter of public record.
The attempt by hostile and disruptive elements to malign a patriotic and peace-loving personality without verification reflects a clear intent to sow confusion, undermine national unity, and discredit voices that stand against extremism. Such character assassination campaigns are deeply regrettable and highlight the unethical nature of propaganda being pushed through coordinated digital platforms.
Authorities urge the public and media to verify information through credible sources and remain vigilant against disinformation designed to destabilize society and damage reputations of respected national figures.
Pakistan remains committed to countering not only physical threats but also the information warfare being waged to weaken public trust and cohesion.
