As tensions rise between Pakistan and India, social media has become a breeding ground for fake news and baseless rumours, prompting authorities to issue repeated warnings against spreading misinformation.
Despite claims that 25 Israeli-made Indian drones were shot down, social media platforms remain flooded with unverified reports, including false news about skyrocketing prices and emergency evacuations.
One widely circulated fake notification, falsely attributed to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lahore, instructed residents to evacuate DHA Phase 8 and Askari 11. However, a private TV channel’s fact-checking team analysed the document and confirmed it as fake. The Lahore district administration also clarified that no such advisory was issued.
Similarly, DC Islamabad Irfan Memon dismissed another piece of misinformation that claimed sirens were sounding across the capital to signal an emergency. Memon stressed that no such incident occurred and condemned the attempt to create panic.
This comes just days after another fake news story falsely claimed an Indian drone had crashed near Faisal Mosque — a report that was also officially debunked by Islamabad authorities.
“Any genuine emergency will be communicated by the administration directly,” said DC Memon. “Spreading false news is a punishable offence, and strict action will be taken against those trying to disrupt public order.”
Officials have urged citizens to verify information before sharing it and to rely only on credible sources to avoid fuelling fear and confusion during a sensitive time.
