India blocks X accounts of top Pakistani journalists

As India-Pakistan tensions grow, the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of popular Pakistani journalists Hamid Mir and Najam Sethi were blocked in India on Friday.

This action follows X’s announcement on Thursday that it will block around 8,000 accounts after receiving orders from the Indian government. The list includes global news outlets and famous users, not just Pakistani individuals.

PIB issues warning to public

At the same time, the Indian government’s official fact-checking handle, PIB Fact Check, posted an alert on X. It asked people to be very careful about what they read and share on social media during these tense times.

PIB warned that platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and X may soon be full of Pakistan-backed misinformation. “It’s important to check every piece of information carefully,” the post said.

What should you do?

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), which works under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urged citizens to verify facts before forwarding any messages, especially those related to the Indian Armed Forces or the current situation with Pakistan.

If you see anything suspicious, you can report it to PIB Fact Check. They’ve shared a WhatsApp number (+91 8799711259) and an email address for people to send screenshots or links of fake or misleading content.

In times of tension, fake news can spread fear or confusion. That’s why PIB is asking everyone to stay alert and help stop misinformation by reporting anything false or unclear.