Punjab police deny the viral claims of a crackdown on fake journalists. A post circulated online on social media claiming that Punjab police initiated a crackdown against journalists who lack registration with press clubs or media organizations.
This claim was made by a user on Facebook on October 24. The post includes the picture of Punjab Inspector General Police Dr. Usman Anwar and a text “Long live Punjab police, crack down against fake journalists.
The caption on the post claimed that the Police will regularly check press cards of journalists. If a reporter or journalist lacks registration with a TV channel, newspaper, or press club, authorities will file a police complaint against them under the Penal Code of Pakistan.
The post went viral, circulating widely on WhatsApp groups as well.
Punjab police officials and the Lahore Press Club swiftly responded to this alleged post with a statement.
Police officials and the Press Club confirmed that police had made no such announcements.
Police Deputy Inspector General Waqas Nazir clarified that authorities issued no such statement.
On October 28, the Police refuted the claim on their official X account, stating that no orders aligned with the contents of the fake post.
Additionally, IG Police Dr. Usman Anwar met with police employees and their families at the Central Police Office. He listened to their requests and promptly issued relief orders for the applications presented by them.
