PIB’s Fact Check unit has debunked a fake letter circulating online that falsely claimed India suspended trade with Afghanistan due to unrest in Iran. The government urged citizens to stay alert and rely only on official sources.
New Delhi: The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has issued a strong clarification after a fabricated letter began circulating on social media, falsely claiming that India had temporarily suspended trade operations with Afghanistan due to escalating unrest in Iran. The misinformation, which was widely shared by Pakistani propaganda-linked accounts, prompted the government to step in and debunk the claim, urging the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official sources for verified information.
PIB Debunks Fake Letter on India-Afghanistan Trade
In its official clarification, the PIB Fact Check unit categorically stated that the letter circulating online is fake and has no connection to any decision taken by the Government of India. The forged document falsely alleged that trade between India and Afghanistan had been halted in response to developments in Iran.
The PIB warned that such misinformation is deliberately designed to mislead the public and create confusion regarding India’s foreign trade and diplomatic engagements.
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Misinformation Spread by Propaganda Accounts
According to the PIB, the fake letter was amplified by Pakistani propaganda accounts on social media platforms. Officials noted that such coordinated misinformation campaigns often aim to distort facts related to India’s regional relations and economic activities.
The Fact Check unit reiterated that no such advisory or order has been issued by any Indian authority concerning the suspension of trade with Afghanistan.
PIB Urges Public to Rely on Official Sources
The PIB Fact Check unit appealed to citizens to exercise caution before sharing unverified content online. It stressed that misinformation can spread rapidly and cause unnecessary panic or misunderstanding, particularly on sensitive issues involving international relations.
“Stay alert. Do not share such content. For authentic information, rely only on official sources,” the PIB said in its advisory.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
The clarification underscores the government’s continued efforts to counter fake news and disinformation through timely fact-checking and public awareness. The PIB Fact Check unit remains actively engaged in identifying and debunking false claims circulating across digital platforms.
Citizens are encouraged to verify any doubtful claims through official government channels before believing or forwarding them.
