ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dismissed claims circulating on social media about the removal of barbed wire along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, calling them “fabricated” and part of a wider misinformation campaign amid ongoing cross-border tensions.
In a statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s fact-checking unit said videos shared by Taliban-linked outlets showing individuals cutting border fencing were staged and misleading.
“The multiple claims… regarding the removal of barbed wire along the Pak-Afghan border are fabricated and devoid of facts,” the ministry said.
According to the statement, the clips, circulating over the past week, depict individuals briefly cutting sections of fencing before leaving, describing the content as “staged” and part of a propaganda effort.
“All clips… are staged content, outdated, and part of propaganda tactics,” the ministry added.
Operation Ghazab lil Haq
The claims emerge as Pakistan’s cross-border military campaign, Operation Ghazab lil Haq, continues following weeks of escalation triggered by “cross-border terrorist attacks.”
Pakistani officials say the operation has targeted terrorist infrastructure, including camps, logistics hubs and support networks used to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
Authorities have also reported drone incidents, artillery exchanges and strikes on what they describe as terrorist-linked installations in Afghanistan, underscoring heightened tensions along the border.
'Fence remains intact’
Pakistan began fencing the more than 2,600-kilometre border with Afghanistan in 2017 to curb illegal crossings and infiltration by terrorist groups.
Officials say the fence remains operational and secure.
“Pak-Afghan border fence is fully intact, and all such attempts are met with an immediate and strong response,” the ministry said.
The statement added that the Afghan side does not maintain the border in the same way, alleging that gaps are exploited by terrorist groups and criminal networks.
The ministry said the circulation of such content follows recent military developments, including the destruction of hundreds of posts during the ongoing operation.
It described the videos as part of a broader pattern of misinformation.
“Afghan Taliban regime… are internationally known for frivolous claims,” the statement said, referencing previous unverified claims including alleged drone strikes and aircraft incidents.
Officials say the information environment has become an increasingly important dimension of the conflict, with competing narratives emerging alongside military developments.
Pakistan maintains that its operations are based on verified intelligence and aimed at countering terrorism, while urging caution against unverified claims circulating online.
