Ministry urges social media users to avoid sharing sensational “breaking news” about military actions
Iranians gather by blocking a street during a demonstration in Kermanshah, Iran, January 8, 2026. Photo: AFP
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to social media users, urging them to avoid sharing sensational “breaking news” on military actions, which are being circulated from propaganda pages run from Afghanistan and India. These reports falsely claimed that the United States was using Pakistan as a base to launch an imminent military strike against Iran.
In an announcement on its official X fact-checking account, the Ministry of Information provided a detailed analysis of the claims, offering a reality check based on verified sources. The ministry clarified that the rumors circulating were false and that there was no credible evidence to support the allegations.
The disinformation, spread by accounts linked to Afghan and Indian sources, such as @KHoorasanM_U1, @RealBababanaras and @AFGDefense, claimed that the United States had moved aerial refueling (KC-135R) and surveillance aircraft to Pakistan.
The reports alleged that these aircraft were making unusual flights to or within Iranian airspace and that Pakistan was being used as a launch corridor for US stealth fighters (F-35/F-22) preparing for a possible military strike against Iran.
The ministry refuted the claims, citing a Reuters report, which confirmed that the United States had indeed moved a number of refueling planes to Europe as tensions in the Middle East escalated. The ministry clarified that while activity by American tankers had increased, it was not linked to Pakistan.
The ministry’s fact-checking statement said: “Movements of US refueling planes have been reported, but mainly in relation to Europe. There is no credible evidence that US aircraft or intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets are based in Pakistan.
The ministry termed the social media reports as disinformation and described them as part of a reckless blame-shifting narrative aimed at dragging Pakistan into the US-Iran conflict without any verifiable evidence. “The claim that US planes arrived in Pakistan to strike Iran is purely disinformation,” the ministry’s fact-checking report said.
Additionally, the ministry issued a public notice urging caution: “Do not share the latest sensational military news from propaganda pages unless verified by credible reporting.” »
For matters related to national security and defense, the ministry recommended that the public should rely only on reliable sources, including the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reliable defense media.
No place for terrorist discourse, promises Minister of Information
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reiterated that terrorist elements would not be allowed to advance their narrative or ideology, Pakistan’s Associated Press reported.
Addressing the Qaumi Paigham-e-Amman Committee conference in Islamabad, he said the nation was united in its determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms. He stressed that this scourge would be combated by both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the nation was united and resolute against terrorism. He added that efforts are underway to strengthen the national narrative and thwart the designs of anti-state elements.
Tarar praised the role of religious scholars in safeguarding the country’s ideological boundaries and promoting peace. He announced that the committee would visit different parts of the country to spread the message of harmony of Islam, emphasizing that terrorists have no connection with Islam, Pakistan or humanity.
The minister said the Paigham-e-Amman Committee was an apex body comprising representatives of minorities, stressing that safeguarding minority rights was a collective responsibility. He noted that the fully empowered committee would play an effective role in combating terrorist propaganda.
Highlighting the vital role of academics, Tarar denounced foreign-backed extremist groups and reaffirmed the government’s determination to eradicate terrorism while promoting Islam’s message of peace. He added that the National Paigham-e-Amman Committee secretariat was formally established to support initiatives promoting harmony and stability in society.
He said the terrorists were not linked by religion or nationality, adding that the commission would uphold the principle that terrorism has no connection with any religion. Tarar further said that there was consensus within the Ummah that no jihad could be waged against the state of Pakistan.
The minister stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony, noting that the committee had been tasked with conveying this message to every home. He highlighted that extremist groups, including Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij, were receiving foreign funding, adding that their plans were being fully exposed as they continued to target innocent civilians. Amid the violence, he reiterated his determination to spread the message of peace across the country.
