PIB Fact Check Debunks Viral Misinformation Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit has swiftly debunked multiple instances of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

These false claims, which include fabricated military actions and doctored visuals, aim to mislead the public and disrupt national security narratives.

Debunking Fabricated Military Claims

Among the most alarming falsehoods was a video purporting to show a drone attack in Jalandhar.

The PIB Fact Check Unit clarified that the footage was of a farm fire, not a military strike.

The video had been posted at 7:39 PM, while the alleged drone attack by Pakistan occurred much later, as confirmed by the District Collector of Jalandhar.

Another fabricated claim involved a purported Pakistani army attack destroying an Indian military post.

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The PIB Fact Check Unit identified the video as staged propaganda, noting that there is no ’20 Raj Battalion’ in the Indian Army, as shown in the footage.

Additionally, a video falsely claimed that Pakistan launched a missile attack on India.

The PIB Fact Check Unit traced the footage to an explosive attack in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2020, thereby debunking the missile attack narrative.

Addressing Fabricated Military Communications

The PIB Fact Check Unit also debunked a purported confidential letter from the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), General VK Narayan, regarding military preparedness.

The unit confirmed that General Narayan does not serve as the CoAS and fabricated the letter entirely.

In another instance, a baseless claim circulated on social media alleging that the Indian military used Ambala Airbase to attack Amritsar and its citizens.

The PIB Fact Check Unit confirmed that no such action occurred, labeling the claim as misleading and intended to cause confusion.

Countering False Claims Of Airport Entry Bans

Further misinformation included a post alleging entry bans into airports across India.

The PIB Fact Check Unit debunked this claim, confirming that no such decision had been taken by the Union Government.

Government’s Vigilance Against Misinformation

The PIB Fact Check Unit’s efforts in debunking these fake news instances are crucial in maintaining public trust and countering attempts to destabilise the nation through misinformation during such times.

In a related development, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the PIB Fact Check Unit as the official fact-checker for the Central Government under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

This move empowers the PIB Fact Check Unit to take action against misinformation related to government policies and schemes.

Public Advisory

The PIB Fact Check Unit urges the public to verify information through official channels and refrain from sharing unverified content.

Individuals can report suspicious information to the PIB Fact Check Unit via their official website and social media platforms.

In conclusion, the PIB Fact Check Unit’s proactive measures in debunking misinformation are vital in ensuring the dissemination of accurate information, especially during periods of national security concerns.