ISLAMABAD: A doctored video using artificial intelligence has gone viral on social media platform X since March 2, falsely claiming that Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the opposition leader in the Senate, accused Pakistan of allowing the United States to use its airspace for strikes against Iran.
The clip, shared primarily by multiple anti-state accounts as well as some Indian and Afghan-linked profiles, shows a brief segment of Nasir Abbas appearing to speak on a television talk show.
Accompanying captions amplify the falsehood by alleging Pakistan is once again playing a double game, similar to its alleged role after the September 11 attacks.
One prominent post from an anti-state account claimed that Pakistan’s military received $33 billion in aid from the United States and harbored Osama Bin Laden for a decade.
Such narratives seek to portray Pakistan as duplicitous in regional conflicts, especially amid heightened tensions following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Credible investigations reveal the video is manipulated through AI technology, commonly known as a deepfake.
Fact-checking efforts, including those by independent outlets like Azaad Fact Check, have confirmed the clip as fabricated propaganda.
No mainstream national or international media organization has reported or broadcast the alleged statement from Nasir Abbas.
Searches across reputable sources yield zero corroboration from Dawn, The Express Tribune, Geo News, or international wires.
In reality, Nasir Abbas has consistently condemned the US-Israeli aggression against Iran in recent days.
He described the strikes as unlawful violations of Iran’s sovereignty, warning that destabilizing the neighboring country poses direct threats to Pakistan’s security.
Addressing press conferences and Senate sessions, he highlighted civilian casualties, including schoolchildren, and called for unity among Shia and Sunni communities.
He criticized Western powers for undermining diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear program and maintaining military bases that fuel regional instability.
Pakistan’s government and aviation authorities have separately clarified that national airspace remains fully open for civil aviation, with no permissions granted for military operations against Iran.
The Pakistan Airports Authority issued statements denying any partial closures or special allowances.
This disinformation emerges against the backdrop of escalating Middle East crisis, where joint US-Israeli actions targeted Iranian naval and missile capabilities starting late February.
The viral spread exploits emotional sentiments tied to Muslim world solidarity and historical grievances against perceived Western interventions.
Deepfake technology enables such manipulations by superimposing altered audio onto genuine footage, often with mismatched lip synchronization.
In this case, visual analysis shows clear discrepancies: the audio does not align with Nasir Abbas’s lip movements.
The circulated version appears blurry and low-resolution, typical of compressed AI-generated or edited content designed for rapid online sharing.
Experts note that low-quality uploads mask technical flaws while allowing quick dissemination before scrutiny.
Such tactics are increasingly common in hybrid information warfare, aiming to sow discord within Pakistan and undermine its official stance on regional issues.
Anti-state actors frequently recycle historical references, like post-9/11 aid and Osama Bin Laden’s presence, to revive distrust.
These elements resonate with certain audiences but lack context when examined critically.
Pakistan has repeatedly denied any involvement in operations against Iran and emphasized diplomatic channels.
Nasir Abbas himself urged the government to adopt a firm position protecting sovereignty and regional peace.
The absence of any official or opposition figure corroborating the claims further exposes the fabrication.
Digital literacy remains crucial as AI tools lower barriers for creating convincing fakes.
Users are advised to verify sources, check for synchronization issues, and consult established media before sharing sensitive content.
Fact-check organizations continue monitoring similar campaigns amid the ongoing Iran crisis.
Pakistan’s response highlights resilience against misinformation targeting national institutions and leaders.
The incident underscores the need for stronger regulations on AI-generated content on global platforms.
Authorities may pursue action against accounts spreading verified falsehoods that threaten public order.
In the Senate and public forums, focus stays on condemning external aggressions rather than fabricated internal betrayals.
This case illustrates how quickly disinformation can spread in polarized digital spaces.
Vigilance and reliance on credible reporting serve as the best defense against such manipulations.