Claim: An image on social media claims to show the People’s Bus stuck in a sinkhole in Larkana. Fact: The claim is false. The photo actually shows a 2018 accident involving a Metro Bus. On 19 November 2022, a Facebook user shared an image of a bus in a sinkhole with an Urdu caption which, […]
Claim: According to a viral WhatsApp message, people in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) have been handing out visiting cards laced with a debilitating drug called burundanga to unsuspecting motorists stopped at petrol stations in order to rob, kidnap or sexually assault them. Fact: No crime involving the use of burundanga-laced visiting cards has been […]
Claim: Joyland depicts a sexual relationship between a woman and her husband’s brother, which results in the character getting pregnant Fact: The film does not show such a relationship, nor does it leave room for an interpretation that would lead viewers to this conclusion Spoilers Ahead Director Saim Sadiq’s film Joyland was released last week […]
Claim: Multiple images are being shared on social media, claiming that scientists at universities have created models of what Adam and other Abrahamic prophets looked like. The models resemble contemporary celebrities. Fact: Scientists did not create 3D models of how the prophets looked. The images are part of a funny trend on social media. The […]
Claim: Social media posts claim that the State Bank’s recently introduced commemorative 75 rupee note removed a quote about the significance of earning an honest living. Fact: The claim is false. The quote is printed on all currency notes and is also included in the commemorative 75 rupee note issued to celebrate Pakistan’s diamond anniversary. […]
Claim: Diaspora Pakistani Sarim Rashid flew out to Pakistan from the UK to cast a vote for PTI in the October 2022 by-elections. He flew in just in time for the elections and flew out three hours later back to the UK. Fact: Sarim Rashid did not fly to Pakistan on 16 October to cast […]
Claim: An image of a woman with facial scars is being shared on social media with captions that claim she survived a recent suicide attack at a tuition center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Fact: The claim is false. The woman in these images was actually a victim of a suicide attack on TV workers in Kabul […]
Claim: A “witch” was filmed hovering in Kidney Hill Park in Karachi, Pakistan and strange noises heard by park officials in the dead of night. The person who shot the video was down with a 104°F fever. Fact: The video clip is, in fact, the work of Zambian visual effects artist and filmmaker Joseph Njovu, […]
Claim: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has removed Rule 13-1 from The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, allowing “gender change” for transgender folks. Fact: Section 13 of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, pertains to transgender folks’ right to assembly and has nothing to do with a gender change. […]
Claim: Multiple news content websites published clickbait headlines claiming white rice is as bad as candy, according to a new Iranian study. Fact: The study did not claim that white rice is as bad as candy. The lead author stated that consuming a diet with high amounts of unhealthy and refined grains can be considered […]
Claim: A report by The Associated Press claims an amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, proposed by the Government of Pakistan, will allow transgender individuals to choose their gender identity on previously-issued official documents and that hardline clerics are opposing the suggested changes. Fact: Five different amendments were put forward by senators […]
Claim: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is tying the knot with Mahenoor Soomro, granddaughter of Pakistan Peoples Party’s founding member late Ruqiya Khanum Soomro. Fact: Mahenoor has denied the rumours, urging people to avoid spreading fake news regarding her marriage. Fact or Fiction? On 20 October 2022, the Facebook page Jaanlo claimed that PPP chairman Bilawal […]