Karachi’s routine life gives the lie to Indian media’s fake reports

A storm of memes and ridicule swept through Pakistani social media after several Indian news channels falsely reported a military strike on Karachi port — a claim swiftly debunked by Pakistani authorities.

Leading the disinformation wave, Aaj Tak aired a dramatic simulation of an airstrike on Karachi, presenting it as a real-time offensive. India Today amplified the narrative, going a step further to claim simultaneous attacks on both Karachi and Lahore.

Citizens of Karachi expressed disbelief and outrage over the fabricated reports, calling them an attempt to inflame regional tensions and sow panic. "I was getting messages from friends asking if I was safe. It’s ridiculous that major news channels in a neighbouring country can air such dangerous lies without consequences," said Areeba Shah, a university student in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Noman Raza, a shopkeeper in Saddar, dismissed the news as “nothing but propaganda.” He added, "There wasn’t even a power outage in my area, let alone an airstrike. These people sit in studios and play war games with no concern for the truth."

Another resident, Zulfiqar Junejo, who lives in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, remarked, "It’s deeply irresponsible. News channels are supposed to inform, not incite. Karachi has its problems, but this kind of fabrication from across the border only makes things worse."

Life remained normal in Karachi with no effect at all on business, commercial, and social activities on Friday despite Indian TV news channels constantly airing news about major urban centres in Pakistan coming under attack by Indian fighter planes and drones and massive damage done to Karachi Port due to aerial bombing.

Retail and wholesale markets and shopping centres in business hubs and other areas of Karachi remained fully open with usual business and buying activities despite Indian news media airing news about aerial attacks on major cities in Pakistan. Government and private offices also remained open with the usual attendance of the employees. There was also no effect on the night and social life of Karachi. Marriage and other functions were held as per schedule at various wedding and banquet halls in the city. Food streets and eateries in the city witnessed the usual presence of customers till late night till late evening.

Rizwan Alam, a Karachi-based senior business journalist, said that there was no effect on merchant shipping operations and cargo handling at the Karachi Port on Friday, contrary to the reports aired by the Indian media. He said the Karachi Port Trust's records showed that 1,59,000 tonnes of cargo had been handled for import and export through merchant ships at the Karachi Port on Friday.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah instead of chairing any emergency meeting regarding defence and security related issues of Karachi and rest of the province chaired two sessions as per his official routine as one was held to accelerate the bulk water supply project for Karachi and other for hosting National Games in Karachi.

Asif Jawed, a senior IT expert, said that it was business as usual for software houses and the tech industry based in Karachi, with no panic or fear among the staffers because of any threat of military adventurism by India. No part of Karachi witnessed any blackout in the past few days. Neither were there any heightened security measures at various cantonment and garrison areas in the city.

Inter-city highways connecting Karachi with the upcountry remained open. Main roads in Karachi usually witness the usual congestion of vehicular traffic during morning and evening rush hours. Educational institutions also remained open with no suspension of academic and examination activities.