ISLAMABAD: The deadly shooting near Sydney’s Bondi Beach has sparked concern in Pakistan after sections of Indian media, followed by some Israeli and Afghan social media accounts, rushed to link the attack to Pakistan despite no confirmation from Australian authorities.
Soon after the incident, multiple Indian media outlets circulated the name Naveed Akram, portraying him as a “Pakistani attacker.” The claim quickly unraveled when a Pakistani-Australian man with the same name publicly denied any connection, calling the allegations false and dangerous.
Akram said his photographs were taken from his personal social media accounts and falsely linked to the attacker. “That is not me and I have nothing to do with that incident or with that person,” he said, stressing that the misinformation has placed his safety at risk.
“This issue is very serious. I am stressed, scared, and cannot even go outside safely,” Akram added, describing the “dual trauma” caused first by the tragedy itself and then by being falsely identified online.
Investigators have tentatively identified one of the attackers, according to Sky News citing three senior law enforcement officials in the US and Australia. New South Wales Police have confirmed that 16 people were killed and 40 remain in hospital following Sunday’s shooting.
The police added that “more information will be made available soon” and that Bondi Beach and surrounding roads would remain closed as investigators continue processing the crime scene.
Nevertheless, unverified narratives continued to circulate online, with some Indian, Israeli, and Afghan-based accounts attempting to associate the attack with Pakistan.
International Relations scholar Ahmad Hassan Al-Arbi noted on X that reports suggested “at least one Afghan national may have been involved,” while emphasizing that official details remain limited and investigations are ongoing.
The rapid spread of unverified claims has renewed concerns over misinformation during crises. Observers note that Indian media, frequently criticized for disinformation, once again amplified an unsubstantiated narrative targeting Pakistan, which was then echoed across aligned online platforms.
Islamabad has strongly criticized New Delhi for a recurring pattern of baseless accusations against Pakistan in the aftermath of international security incidents. The Foreign Office has repeatedly called for restraint, responsible reporting, and reliance on verified facts, warning that premature allegations undermine credibility and threaten regional stability.
The Pakistan Australian Cultural Association Inc (PACA) also issued a statement expressing shock and grief over the attack, condemning the “atrocious and inhumane act of violence and terror” at Bondi Beach.
PACA extended condolences to the victims and their families, expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community, and praised the swift response of emergency services and community members.
The association urged all communities to stand together, reject violence, and reaffirm a commitment to peace, compassion, and resilience, offering professional support to those traumatized by the tragedy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Australia. “My deepest condolences to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said in a post on X.
He also conveyed Pakistan’s sympathy to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to opposing terrorism globally.
