Islamabad: Social media posts are circulating misleading material about Islamabad police, portraying routine security checks as abuse against Kashmiris and aiming to undermine public confidence in Pakistan’s institutions, Minister for Parliamentry Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said in a press conference.
Propaganda uses routine checks, misrepresents footage
Dr. Tariq Fazal Choudhary said hostile actors have weaponized social platforms to amplify videos and spread false narratives. “Videos that show routine police checks are being presented out of context to create the impression that police are mistreating Kashmiris.” He added that the intent of the campaign is to foment distrust against Pakistan and its institutions. He also said those who staged the online offensive “suffered a humiliating defeat even where they tried to set the stage of confrontation.”
Social media posts cite individual incidents
Additionally, Dr Tariq Fazal also pointed to posts on Twitter and Facebook that identify a woman said to be from Dhirkot took injured Police Officials to a hospital amidst the Strike call by Kashmir Awami Action Comitte. He Further said that the woman’s car was attacked and that the footage is being used to imply a wider pattern of abuse.
Furthermore, Dr. Tariq’s urged authorities, platforms and youngsters to expose those who are accused of spreading disinformation and unmask individuals he say are behind the campaign. He argued that identifying such instigators is part of their responsibility to protect public order.
Campaign aims to shape public opinion; youth urged to verify
Analysts and officials monitoring the posts say the misinformation strategy relies on short, emotionally charged clips that omit broader context. Consequently, the clipped footage spreads rapidly, prompting angry reactions before viewers can verify facts. Supporters therefore young people not to share material without checking its authenticity, saying, “Do not circulate anything without investigation.”
Calls for independent checks and restraint
While police supporters insist the routine operations were lawful and proportionate, rights groups and independent observers say vigilance is needed on both sides. They called for transparent investigations of any credible allegation while warning against rushed conclusions based on edited clips.
Background: a polarized online environment
The dispute highlights how social media can quickly polarize sensitive issues tied to regional identities. As a result, officials say both accurate reporting and rapid fact-checking are essential to prevent escalation and to protect institutions as well as citizens’ rights.
