Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian news media outlets misreported on several instances, such as sharing an old video allegedly of the Lahore airport on fire and the 'first' visuals of the terrorists. This week's recap focuses on the top pieces of misinformation about the Pahalgam attack that went viral on social media platforms.
1. Media Outlets Falsely Share Old Video as Recent Clip of Fire at Lahore Airport
A video showing a fire erupting at what seems to be an airport is being shared on social media as recent footage from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan.
Along with several social media users, media outlets like ABP Live, Financial Express, CNBC Awaaz, Lokmat Times, NewsX, and Kalinga TV shared reports with a similar claim.
However, the claim is false. We found that the video originated as early as May 2024 and allegedly shows a fire erupting at Lahore airport.
Read the story here.
2. No, This Video Doesn’t Show Indian Army Beating up Pahalgam Attackers
A video showing a man pinned face down on a cot while being beaten has become viral on social media platforms.
Those sharing the video claimed that it was associated with the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and is being circulated to suggest that it depicts the Indian Army punishing the attackers.
However, the claim is false. The video has existed online for at least seven years and is unrelated to the Pahalgam attacks.
Read the story here.
3. Viral Letter About Mass Resignations in Pakistan Army Is Fake!
A letter alleging to address mass resignations within the Pakistan army amidst the 'current tensions' with India has become viral on social media.
The letter noted that "250 officers and 1,200 enlisted members" had departed from Pakistan's military purportedly due to family pressure, mental exhaustion and the situation with India.
However, the claim is false. We were unable to find any credible sources to prove the validity of this alleged letter.
We, also, spoke to a journalist in Pakistan who noted that the letter was "fake."
Read the story here.
4. 2022 Video Falsely Shared as 'Pahalgam Terrorist' Being Interviewed Recently
A video featuring an Aaj Tak reporter interviewing an individual in a hospital bed, claiming to show a recent interview of a terrorist captured alive by the Indian Army following the Pahalgam attack is being shared on social media.
However, this video is from August 2022 and is unrelated to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Read the story here.
5. Media Outlets Shared Old Image as 'First Footage of Attacker' From Pahalgam
A photo of a man sprinting with a rifle in his hands is being shared on social media, alleging that it shows the terrorist linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Along with social media users, several media outlets like Times Now, Zee News, Mint, Firstpost, The Economic Times, News18, News24, ABP News, CNBC TV18, Aaj Tak, India Today and Republic shared this claim.
However, News18 and Times Now later changed their copies into "fact-checks" without any proper clarification or addressing their mistake.
- 01/03
Media outlets reported that it was an 'exclusive' image of the attacker.
(Source: The Quint)
- 02/03
Here are the media outlets that shared the false visual.
(Source: The Quint)
- 03/03
The video has been on the internet since 2021 and is unrelated to the terror attack.
(Source: The Quint)
However, this video has existed online since 2021 and is not linked to the recent Pahalgam terror incident.
Read the story here.
(Not convinced of a post or information you came across online and want it verified? Send us the details on WhatsApp at 9540511818 , or e-mail it to us at webqoof@thequint.com and we'll fact-check it for you. You can also read all our fact-checked stories here.)