Violence, Misinformation, and AI-Generated Images: The Aftermath of Protests in Islamabad
In a dramatic turn of events, a major demonstration by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was called off on Wednesday. The protests, which took place in Islamabad, were aimed at demanding Khan’s release from jail. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
The protests reached a boiling point as demonstrators approached the “red zone” of Islamabad, an area housing key government buildings. Police and army rangers responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, escalating tensions further. The chaos that ensued has left a trail of confusion, violence, and a flood of misinformation on social media.
Clashes Turn Deadly
According to official sources, at least six people, including four paramilitary troops and two protesters, lost their lives during the demonstrations. However, PTI members and supporters have claimed that the death toll is significantly higher, alleging that up to 300 people were killed as security forces reportedly fired live rounds at protesters. These claims have not been independently verified.
Social media platforms have been inundated with images and videos purportedly showing the aftermath of the clashes. The hashtag #IslamabadMassacre has gained traction, with users sharing graphic content to highlight the alleged brutality of the security forces. However, not all of these posts are genuine. Many of the images circulating online have been identified as either AI-generated, altered, or taken out of context.
Debunking Misinformation: AI-Generated Images
One of the most widely shared images claimed to show Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad covered in blood following the clashes. The image, which went viral on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, was accompanied by claims that it was evidence of a high number of casualties. However, a closer examination reveals that the image is not authentic.
Fact-checkers have pointed out several inconsistencies in the image. For instance, Jinnah Avenue is a double-lane road divided by a strip of shrubs, a feature absent in the viral image. Additionally, the image contains telltale signs of AI generation. These include distorted elements such as a half-formed bus, oddly positioned feet of a person, and mismatched shadows. The windows of the buildings in the background also appear misaligned, a common error in AI-generated visuals.
Another AI-generated image was shared by PTI’s official Instagram account. The post, captioned “Islam gets revived after every sacrifice! #IslamabadMassacre,” depicted a street drenched in blood. However, this image too was debunked. The lighting appeared artificial, the blood patterns were unnaturally uniform, and the buildings in the background did not match the architecture of Islamabad’s Jinnah Avenue. Furthermore, the area depicted in the image featured numerous high-rise buildings, which are not characteristic of the actual location.
Old Images Resurface Out of Context
In addition to AI-generated content, older images from unrelated events have been repurposed to fuel the narrative of violence. One such image, showing an ambulance carrying six dead bodies and an injured person, was widely shared as evidence of the Islamabad clashes. However, this image was later identified as originating from Gaza, not Pakistan.
While these false visuals have muddied the waters, it is important to note that genuine instances of violence and injuries have been documented. Videos and images from the protests show wounded individuals being carried away or treated in hospitals. Amnesty International has also raised concerns, urging the government to protect protesters’ rights and rescind “shoot-on-sight” orders that grant excessive powers to the military.
Eyewitness Accounts and Conflicting Reports
The chaotic nature of the protests has made it difficult to ascertain the exact number of casualties and injuries. PTI has circulated a list online claiming to document the names of those killed or injured, but these figures remain unverified. DW spoke to medical staff, journalists, and eyewitnesses to piece together a clearer picture of the events.
Two medical staff members from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed that only two bodies were received at the hospital. One individual reportedly died due to severe tear gas exposure, while the other succumbed to injuries with blood-soaked clothes. A doctor on duty that night stated that around 20 injured individuals were treated, most of whom were discharged after receiving care for tear gas exposure.
Journalists who were present at the scene described a chaotic and dangerous environment. Ramna Saeed, a local journalist, recounted, “During the operation, both rubber bullets and live ammunition were being used, which created confusion. I saw injured individuals on the roads, and with smoke filling the air, it was challenging to navigate the situation while also ensuring our safety. When the government initiated the grand operation, all the city lights were turned off, which added more to the chaos.”
Another journalist, Qurat ul Ain Shirazi, shared her experience of being attacked by PTI supporters. “I have not witnessed direct firing on the protesters and seen few injured people from the rubber bullets. PTI supporters pushed and kicked me. I sustained injuries from being struck with a stick or a similar object as they demanded our departure. My colleague was also subjected to rough treatment. This all occurred while our team was clearly identified by our press jackets,” she said.
Unverified Claims and the Role of Social Media
PTI leader Zulfikar Bukhari claimed that 40 protesters were killed on Tuesday night, although he did not provide evidence to support this assertion. Meanwhile, social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public perception of the events. While some posts have highlighted genuine instances of violence, others have spread misinformation, further complicating efforts to establish the truth.
One particularly disturbing video shows a PTI supporter kneeling on a container and praying before being shoved off by armed rangers. The man fell from a height of three stacked containers, and his condition remains unknown. Other videos show injured individuals being carried away or treated in hospitals, but not all of these visuals are from Pakistan, and the causes of injuries are not always clear.
Amnesty International and Calls for Accountability
Amnesty International has called on the Pakistani government to ensure the safety of protesters and to revoke orders that allow the military to use excessive force. The organization emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in handling the situation.
As the dust settles, the true extent of the violence and its aftermath remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is the need for accurate information and responsible reporting to prevent further escalation and misinformation.
Originally Written by: Boris Geilert
