PESHAWAR: A video circulated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporting social media accounts, purportedly showing security forces arresting PTI workers, has been found to be two years old, according to a fact-check and investigation into the footage.
The video was shared online with claims suggesting that security forces were currently arresting and detaining PTI workers. However, a review of the footage found that it dates back to September 12, 2024, and is unrelated to the current situation.
According to the fact-check, the footage shows a security operation in the Kharlachi border area of Kurram district, carried out following violent sectarian clashes in Parachinar. The operation targeted suspected militant elements in the area.
During the operation, security forces reportedly detained four militants, including Zainabiyoun commander Mashhood Ali, alias Ajiz, according to the findings.
The fact-check concluded that the footage has no connection to PTI workers, current political arrests or the present situation.
The circulation of the old footage has raised questions over the use of outdated material on social media to create misleading narratives. The video was allegedly presented out of its original context, potentially creating confusion and misinformation among viewers.
The findings underscore the importance of verifying the date and original context of viral videos before drawing conclusions about ongoing events.
