The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has rejected viral claims about a Pak Army Officer dying during a Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricket match in Rawalpindi.
The ministry clarified that the deceased was not a Pakistan Army officer. Instead, Muhammad Farooq was an employee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to the ministry’s fact-check, Farooq died from electrocution at his home. His death had no connection with the cricket match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The clarification came after social media posts claimed an army officer suffered a heart attack during the match. Some reports also suggested he was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The ministry said these claims were misleading. It confirmed that Farooq was not present at the stadium during the match.
Ministry Rejects Viral Claims About Pak Army Officer
The controversy gained attention after journalist Naveed Satti reportedly shared details about Farooq’s death. According to the claim, 50-year-old Muhammad Farooq, son of Muhammad Azam, lost consciousness during the cricket match.
The report further stated that Rescue 1122 transported him to Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi. He reportedly died after reaching the hospital.
The journalist also claimed that Farooq worked with the Pakistan Army. The report suggested he was posted at a security agency in Islamabad.
However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting disputed these details. Its fact-check relied on information from a First Information Report (FIR) and other records.
According to the ministry, Farooq was approximately 60 years old. The FIR reportedly stated that he suffered an electric shock while checking an electrical plug at home.
His family contacted Rescue 1122 after the incident. He was then shifted to a local hospital for medical assistance.
Hospital records reportedly identified electrocution as the cause of death. These details contradicted the claim that a Pak Army Officer had died during the cricket match.
Deceased Was a PCB Employee, Ministry Confirms
The ministry also clarified Farooq’s employment status. It stated that he worked for the Pakistan Cricket Board rather than the Pakistan Army.
It further confirmed that he was not present at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Pakistan-Sri Lanka match. Therefore, his death was unrelated to the sporting event.
The difference in the reported ages also raised questions about the viral account. The social media claim cited Farooq as being 50 years old, while the FIR reportedly listed his age at approximately 60.
These discrepancies highlight the importance of checking official records before accepting sensitive reports as factual.
Authorities Urge Public to Verify Information
The ministry urged people to verify information through credible sources before sharing it online. Reports involving deaths, medical emergencies and public events can spread quickly across social media.
Unverified claims can create unnecessary confusion and mislead the public. They can also incorrectly connect individuals or institutions to incidents.
The clarification establishes that the deceased was a PCB employee who died following an electric shock at home. It also rejects the viral claim linking a Pak Army Officer’s death to the cricket match.
The ministry’s statement serves as a reminder to check official information before circulating breaking news. Readers should rely on verified reports rather than unconfirmed social media posts.
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