343
Posts circulating on social media since November 17 claim that veteran Pakistani singer Attaullah Esakhelvi released a video urging people to join the PTI’s planned power show on November 24. However, an investigation by iVerify Pakistan reveals that this claim is misleading as the video is from March 2022.
Key Findings
- Original Video from 2022
A reverse image search traced the video to Esakhelvi’s Instagram post from March 26, 2022. In the original clip, the singer called on people to join PTI’s March 27, 2022 rally in Islamabad. - Video Edited for Current Context
The version shared by PTI-affiliated accounts removed the reference to the March 27 rally, making it appear as if Esakhelvi was endorsing the upcoming November 24 protest. - Esakhelvi’s Disassociation from PTI
In a June 2023 interview, Esakhelvi expressed regret over his prior support for PTI, distancing himself from the party after the riots of May 9, 2023. He has not publicly supported PTI since. - Dubbed Video Circulated by Critics
A manipulated version of the video, shared by PTI critics, features dubbed audio that falsely portrays the singer criticizing Imran Khan. Analysis shows discrepancies between the audio and Esakhelvi’s lip movements, confirming the dubbing.
Conclusion
The claim that Attaullah Esakhelvi released a new video supporting PTI’s November 24 rally is misleading, as the video is from March 2022. Additionally, the version of the video criticizing PTI is manipulated. Both versions are being shared out of context, emphasizing the importance of verifying content before sharing.
For accurate information, rely on verified sources and refrain from spreading misleading or manipulated content.
