Claim: The US Embassy in Islamabad has reportedly advised its staff to prepare for evacuation, as the UAE mediates a political settlement in Pakistan at the military’s request
Fact: The US embassy has made no such announcements.
On 26 November 2024, X user @soldierspeaks published a post (archive) claiming that the US embassy in Islamabad has repeatedly advised its staff to prepare to evacuate, as the UAE is expected to mediate political settlement between the Pakistan military and the PTI protesters.
Background
Imran Khan, the jailed founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former prime minister, called on his supporters to converge for a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad on 24 November 2024. In response, hundreds of thousands of party supporters and leaders began mobilising from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Punjab towards the capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued stern warnings against entering D-Chowk, with the police and law enforcement agencies deploying aggressive crowd control tactics. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters attempting to enter the area, actions which critics argue violated the right to peaceful assembly. According to official sources, at least four fatalities occurred during the confrontations. However, due to an internet shut down, it is difficult to verify an accurate number of casualties and injuries at this time.
On 27 November, Amnesty International released a statement calling for “a prompt, thorough, impartial, effective and transparent investigation into the deaths and injuries of protesters as well as the unlawful use of force including lethal and less-lethal weapons by security personnel.”
Fact or Fiction?
Soch Fact Check thoroughly reviewed the official website for the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan to find any announcements which are mentioned in the claim.
We found this security alert, issued on 23 November 2024, which pertained to the demonstrations in Islamabad, stating that PTI leaders had issued a call to protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad on 24 November, and this means motorways and major roads will be closed. “ The Red Zone and Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad have specific access points, and airport routes are partially closed, with potential significant road travel delays expected,” the notice said. It also listed possible actions for US citizens to take:
However, the alert did not mention any evacuation orders.
Soch Fact Check also spoke to two people at two different US embassies and consulates in Pakistan, including a member of the press and media department who confirmed that no such announcements were made.
We also submitted an official request and the US Embassy Spokesperson responded: “These reports are plainly untrue and have no basis in fact.”
Soch Fact Check also extensively reviewed major international news media organisations such as BBC, The Guardian, CNN, Al Jazeera, Reuters and the Associated Press and did not find any announcements or reports which support the claim.
Virality
The post on X was viewed more than 142,300 times and it received more than 8,500 interactions.
We also found the claim shared on Facebook. Some of the posts can be found here, here, here, and here.
Conclusion: The US Embassy in Islamabad did not issue evacuation orders for its staff.
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Background image in cover photo: BL Harbert International
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