Several social media accounts linked to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) recently shared a misleading video clip on platform X. The clip showed former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram speaking during a discussion. The posts claimed that Akram said PTI founder Imran Khan had visited the island of Jeffrey Epstein.
The video began circulating widely from February 1. Many users shared it with captions suggesting a serious allegation. However, these claims were found to be false. Wasim Akram did not make any such statement during the conversation.
A detailed review of the full video confirmed the misinformation. Akram never mentioned Imran Khan visiting any island linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The claim was created by editing or misrepresenting the original clip. Fact-checkers noted that the video was taken out of context.
The false claim gained attention due to the controversial background of Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was a United States financier and a convicted sex offender. He was accused of running a long-term sex trafficking network. The victims were underage girls. The abuse was linked to several properties in the US and other countries.
Epstein was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. He died in August 2019 while held in a New York jail. His death occurred before his trial could begin. Authorities ruled his death a suicide, though it led to widespread debate.
Ghislaine Maxwell was Epstein’s close associate. She played a key role in his crimes, according to US prosecutors. A US court convicted her of recruiting and grooming minors for Epstein. In 2022, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The viral claim involving Imran Khan has no factual basis. No evidence supports the allegation shared online. Fact-checkers stressed the importance of verifying such sensitive claims before sharing them publicly.
This verification was carried out by iVerify Pakistan. The platform works under the Center for Excellence in Journalism at IBA. It is supported by the United Nations Development Programme.
In other news read more about Indian PM Modi’s Name Appears in Newly Released Jeffrey Epstein Documents
Experts warn that false information can harm reputations and mislead the public. They advise social media users to rely on credible sources. Sharing unverified content can spread confusion and distrust.
