ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi has dismissed reports claiming that the government plans to hand over Gilgit-Baltistan to China for 50 years.
Solangi refuted the rumors, stating that such an item had not been printed in any newspaper. He emphasized that those fabricating and spreading false information for malicious purposes would be dealt with according to the law.
The widely shared news item on social media alleged that the government had discussed transferring the region to China amid worsening conditions in Pakistan. It further claimed that a Chinese Think Tank approved the proposal, allowing China to deploy its armies in the region.
The context of this misinformation arises following an incident in Gilgit Baltistan earlier in the month, where unidentified armed men opened fire on a bus in Chilas city, resulting in at least nine fatalities and 26 injuries.
The passengers on the bus hailed from various regions, including Kohistan, Peshawar, Ghizer, Chilas, Skardu, and Sindh, and the bus was traveling from Ghizar district to Rawalpindi.
Election Commission of Pakistan Dismisses Fake Election Schedule Circulating on Social Media
In another development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially stated that a circulating election schedule on social media is fake. In a Sunday statement, the ECP clarified that the authentic election schedule has not been issued yet, and any schedule shared online should be disregarded.
The commission emphasized that information not directly communicated by the Commission’s spokesperson should not be given credence.
The statement also addressed and rebutted a news item published in the Daily Jang regarding consultations over petitions filed in the Commission.
The false schedule purported that nomination papers would be filed between December 20 and 25, with the final list of candidates to be published on January 15, and election symbols allotted on January 17.
The actual election schedule, by law, must be issued at least 54 days before the polling day, which is set for February 8. With the clock ticking, the Commission has until December 16 to announce the official schedule. Earlier reports suggested a likely announcement on December 14.
