rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), July 30: Deputy Commissioner Sajid Aslam and Senior Superintendent of Police Khurram Iqbal on Thursday rejected what they described as “distorted and misleading” reports regarding the recent unrest in Mirpur, alleging that false information was spread on social media to create panic and disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the city.
Addressing a joint press conference, the officials denied reports claiming that police had killed around a dozen people, imposed a curfew or taken control of the hospital, terming such reports completely baseless and part of an alleged disinformation campaign.
The DC and SSP alleged that the banned Awami Action Committee (JAAC) was behind a coordinated campaign involving fabricated reports and AI-generated images to exaggerate the situation and create confusion among citizens.
According to police officials, a group of around 100 to 150 people allegedly forced shopkeepers to shut businesses before moving towards Quaid-i-Azam Chowk and later the District Courts Complex. They claimed that the crowd opened fire on police, resulting in one death and injuries to three others during the exchange of firing.
Officials further alleged that misleading images and videos were circulated online within minutes of the incident to create an impression of widespread violence and multiple casualties.
They also rejected reports regarding a curfew, police occupation of the hospital and the alleged killing of a mosque imam, describing them as false. The administration said evidence had been collected regarding the incidents and legal action would be taken against those responsible.
The officials announced strict action against individuals involved in spreading misinformation through social media and appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and rely only on verified information. They reiterated that Mirpur remained a peaceful city and no one would be allowed to disrupt public order or endanger the lives and property of residents.