Fake News Watchdog Report: No False News Found in Express News Coverage During PTI Protests

Islamabad: A report issued by the Fake News Watchdog has highlighted the spread of false news during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, while confirming that no story from Express News was found to be false.
The investigative report revealed that Express Media Group’s coverage was not flagged as fake by the watchdog, while it detailed the circulation of misleading information on both national and social media platforms during the protests. According to the report, the spread of fabricated news had a devastating impact, distorting Pakistan’s image internationally.
The report pointed out several fake news stories that contributed to the chaos, including an invented statement attributed to the Interior Minister about the citizens of Azad Kashmir, as well as false reports about a video message from PTI’s founder chairman. It also highlighted fabricated news related to the arrests of Ali Amin and Bushra Bibi, which fueled tensions during the protests.
Among other false claims reported by the watchdog, were rumors of hundreds of bodies at PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals, which had significant negative repercussions. Fake breaking news stories about Asad Qaiser being appointed PTI chairman, and a fake social media account of Imran Khan’s son, Sulaiman Isa Khan, encouraging party workers to take action, were also mentioned.
The report further stated that the news of Imran Khan’s transfer to Adiala Jail, the resignation of 600 soldiers from military academies, and fabricated reports about shootings involving Asad Qaiser and Mahmood Khan Achakzai were all baseless.
Additionally, false statements about former Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s comments on Imran Khan’s health and misleading news about the death of a PTI worker after falling from a container during prayers were also flagged. The fake news, according to the report, not only caused severe challenges for the security agencies but also put PTI leadership in a difficult position.
The Fake News Watchdog emphasized that the spread of fake news has harmed not just the government and security agencies, but political parties as well. The report called for urgent measures to combat fake news in Pakistan, stressing the need for swift and decisive action to tackle the ongoing problem.