Ministry urges social media users to avoid sharing sensational “breaking news” about military actions
Iranians gather as they block a street during a protest in Kermanshah, Iran, on 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” about military actions, which have been circulating from propaganda pages operated from Afghanistan and India. These reports falsely claimed that the United States was using Pakistan as a base to launch an imminent military attack on Iran.
In an announcement on its official fact-checking account on X, 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 accusations.
The disinformation, spread through accounts linked to Afghan and Indian sources, such as @KHoorasanM_U1, @RealBababanaras and @AFGDefense, claimed that the United States had moved refueling (KC-135R) and surveillance aircraft to Pakistan.
Reports alleged that these aircraft were conducting unusual flights into 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 these claims by citing a Reuters report, which confirmed that the United States had indeed moved several refueling planes to Europe as tensions rose in the Middle East. The ministry clarified that while US tanker activity had increased, it was not related to Pakistan.
The ministry’s fact-checking account stated: “Movements of US refueling aircraft have been reported, but primarily in relation to Europe. There is no credible evidence that US intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft or assets are based in Pakistan. Furthermore, there is no evidence of operational flights from Pakistan to Iran for military strikes. Pakistan has publicly condemned any US military action against Iran.”
The ministry termed the social media reports as disinformation and described them as part of a reckless and blaming narrative designed to drag Pakistan into the US-Iran conflict without any verifiable evidence. “The claim that US planes arrived in Pakistan to attack Iran is pure disinformation,” the ministry’s fact-checking report emphasized.
Additionally, the ministry issued a public notice urging caution: “Do not share sensational military news from propaganda pages unless it is verified by credible reports.”
For matters related to national security and defense, the ministry recommended that the public rely only on reliable sources, including the Public Public Relations Services, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reliable defense media.
There is no place for the terrorist narrative, promises the Minister of Information
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed that terrorist elements would not be allowed to promote 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 the scourge will be faced with both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
He asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the nation remains united and resolute against terrorism. He added that efforts are being made to reinforce 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, stressing that terrorists have no connection with Islam, Pakistan or humanity.
The minister said the Paigham-e-Amman Committee was a global body with minority representation and emphasized that safeguarding minority rights was a collective responsibility. He noted that the fully empowered committee will 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 had been formally established to support initiatives that foster harmony and stability in the society.
He stated that the terrorists were not linked by religion or nationality, adding that the committee would promote the principle that terrorism has no association with any faith. Tarar further said that there was consensus throughout the Ummah that no jihad could be waged against the State of Pakistan.
The minister emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony and noted that the committee had been tasked with conveying this message to every household. He noted that extremist groups, including Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij, were receiving foreign funding, adding that their designs were being fully exposed as they continued to attack innocent civilians. In the midst of the violence, he reiterated his determination to spread the message of peace throughout the country.
