Fake News
On Thursday, Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi dismissed a ‘notification’ circulating online that falsely claimed the government had imposed a ban on Rs5,000 currency notes, terming it “fake news.”
The fake notification, which purportedly originated from the Finance Division, appeared on social media.
It announced a “significant policy change” to strengthen the financial system and curb illicit financial activities.
Starting from September 30, 2023, it prohibited the nationwide use, possession, and circulation of Rs5,000 currency notes.
Furthermore, it declared that after the specified date, these notes would cease to be legal tender.
Citizens and financial institutions were encouraged to exchange or deposit their Rs5,000 notes at authorized banks and financial institutions before the deadline.
After September 30, 2023, designated government offices and central banks would no longer accept these notes.
The information minister, in a post on X, shared the fake notification and stated, “This is fake. The government of Pakistan shall act against people spreading this kind of fake news to create chaos.”
State broadcaster Radio Pakistan also shared the notification and emphasized the need to reject the irresponsible behavior of disseminating fabricated news.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s fact-check account on X also dismissed the fake notification, stressing the responsibility of everyone to reject irresponsible behavior and fake news.
