LAHORE: Punjab Police has rejected social media rumours claiming that residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were being subjected to additional screening in the province.
An audio clip surfaced following recent protests by the Awami Action Committee in AJK and was featured in a vlog by London-based YouTuber Imran Riaz. In his video, Riaz claimed a journalist had shared the recording with him.
The audio was allegedly instructing police officials to “humiliate Kashmiris” and detain anyone without identity cards.
The clip went viral on social media, triggering outrage and strong criticism online.
A police spokesperson said the audio clip circulating on social media was “false and malicious,” aimed at spreading unrest among the public.
The spokesperson clarified that no special instructions had been issued in this regard, adding that routine checkpoints were operating normally and applied equally to all citizens.
“Punjab Police believes in equality before the law and does not discriminate against anyone,” the spokesperson said, stressing that no action was being taken against AJK residents.
The spokesperson further said that fake audios and rumours were intended to create panic and confusion.
“Citizens should rely only on official sources for verified information and immediately call 15 in case of any complaint or issue,” the statement added.
Legal action will be taken against those spreading baseless rumours, the spokesperson warned, adding that law and order in the province was completely normal and police operations were being carried out in accordance with the law.
