A viral video claiming to show supporters of Pakistan’s jailed ex-leader Imran Khan marching towards Islamabad has been debunked as false, revealing it was actually captured at a motoring event in Libya’s desert town of Waddan.
Deception in Online Posts: The Misleading Clip at a Libyan Motoring Event
A recent viral video claiming to show supporters of Pakistan’s jailed ex-leader Imran Khan marching towards the capital Islamabad has been debunked as false. Despite circulating footage showing crowds waving flashlights and fireworks lit up the night sky, the clip does not depict pro-Khan rallyists.
The Misinformation Spread on Social Media
The video was shared on Facebook on November 25, 2024, where it received over 4,000 views. The caption read: “PTI workers have occupied the D-Chowk Islamabad.” Similar claims surfaced on other social media platforms, including X. However, a reverse image search on Google revealed that the video was actually taken at a motoring event in Libya’s southwestern desert town of Waddan.
The Libyan Motoring Event
The 10th annual “T-T Desert Rally” motoring event, which kicked off on November 7, drew international competitors. The event lasted four days and featured various vehicles moving on muddy tracks. A higher-quality version of the video was published on TikTok by Libyan television channel Almasar on November 9.
Verification through Reverse Image Search
A reverse image search on Google using keyframes found that the circulating video was shared online weeks before protests erupted in Pakistan. The similarity between the false post and the TikTok post highlights the ease with which misinformation can spread online.
Flags and Geography
An analysis of the video revealed a spectator waving Libya’s tricolour national flag. A keyword search on Google Maps for Waddan found several images and videos geotagged to that location, further confirming the event took place in Libya.
Debunking False Claims
This incident is not an isolated case. AFP has previously debunked other false claims related to protests held in support of Khan. It’s essential to rely on credible sources and fact-check information before sharing it online.
Preventing the Spread of Misinformation
The rapid spread of misinformation can have severe consequences. It’s crucial to promote media literacy and encourage critical thinking when evaluating online content. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and responsible online community.
