Fake news galore?
Though tensions between India and Pakistan have deescalated, for the time being,
Received msg from PM Modi: "I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence"
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
At the end of the day, it is still India and Pakistan. The baggage of our long-standing rivalry is way too much to unpack through one simple tweet. It’s progress! But we’ve still got some time before the border is open for shopping day trips to Mumbai.
However, since last night, rumours of an alleged attack at the hands of Indian troops have been taking over social media.
*BREAKING NEWS*
Gunfire & explosions being heard in #Multan. Roads going to the airport closed and all air services terminated. Huge sound of several blasts near the airport #Pakistan— Sidrah Memon (@SidrahMemon1) March 24, 2019
Nothing has been confirmed by authorities as yet however people all over Multan seem to be in a panic with wildly detailed rumours of an alleged shooting taking place last night which the involved Indian fighter jets being shot down as well as pilots being taken into Pakistani custody.
Breaking : Pakistan Air Force shot down multiple Indian jets over #multan well done #PAF 😍😍😍🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 once again made us proud!!! pic.twitter.com/NZuEQrasMS
— Espirit (@CreatiV1ty) March 25, 2019
The Multan airports air space was shut down causing some cause for concern in the eyes of residents and Pakistanis all over.
And for many, that meant connecting the air space issue with the rumours of attacks resulting in, of course, India trying to attack us again.
One person on Twitter even posted an explanation with video proof.
#Multan dear followers please stop sharing #FakeNews of explosions and gunfire. There was no such thing, an military aircraft caught fire during refueling on the tarmac. Airspace is open.. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/MLAjCvDGLr
— Homeland Security Blog (@Homesecpak) March 25, 2019
However, of course, the narrative carried by people at the moment has been that the people responsible for the ‘shooting’ have been at the hands of none other than, the Indian Air Force.
Strong sources confirming that 10 of indian air craft shot down by PAF in #Multan 5 pilots dead while 5 are arrested.. 2 of them are frm Israel and one from their father country.
Again well done paf . 💞— Usman Paracha (@usman_pracha) March 25, 2019
Given that nothing has been confirmed and that literally no sign of Indian forces have been left in the city, this is ridiculous. Yes, we have a history of warfare with India. Does that mean every single attack is their fault? Nope, sorry. Not saying that we should be as naive to think that India’s hands will always be clean, however, given that no actual evidence has been presented thus far, we need to start questioning the conversations around us.
Regardless, the ‘rumours’ were circulating social media platforms and evidently, caused some panic among Multanis.
#BREAKING
The route to #Multan airport has been closed. Airport has terminated their services temporarily as well.
The firing and blasts are being heard from near the airport.— Shan Nayak (@ShanNayakk) March 24, 2019
Report: Unusual high fighter jet activity in Lahore, several gun shots heard in Multan, and all flights bound to Multan redirected to Lahore. Can anyone elucidate?#Multan #Lahore
— Sai Abhishek (@goodguyabz) March 25, 2019
However, there have been accounts of multiple people, stating that no activity was seen when the supposed firing took place.
These are Rumours i guess. I live near to Airport and didnt hear any firing or blast. Everythng fine #Multan
— shahzeb khakwani (@shahzebkhakwani) March 24, 2019
Doesn't matter whether you live in the city or near airport Indian media and Indians know more 😂
— Tauheed Sohail (@tsohail2010) March 25, 2019
Nothing Happened in Multan and neighbors getting excited for another Bollywood episode lolz #Multan #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/yahbMDAB7O
— Syed Ali (@Ali_answers) March 25, 2019
#Multan According to a senior Indian journalist IAF confirmed that two Indian fighter jets shot down by PAF fighters and 1 lady pilot namely Wng/C KANGNA RANAWAT arrested by Pak forces.😂😂😂
— Adnan Khan (@AdnanKh45813281) March 25, 2019
For now, all we know is that some kind of confirmation has yet to be made by our own forces as well as India’s and without that confirmation, these rumours will continue to maintain unnecessary panic.
We do understand that Twitter nowadays has been the go-to for keeping everyone updated and in touch with events that may take place within one’s country. However, perpetuating information that has not even been confirmed can be more lethal than we know. We need to learn to question the statements around us, trending or not.
Have you seen the conversation on Twitter? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cover photo source: News Nation