False Claims Target Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on Social Media

The social media landscape has erupted with false allegations against former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, following the introduction of a new feature on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. This feature, launched in November 2025, reveals the geographical location of user accounts. Posts circulating in Pakistan falsely claimed that a screenshot of Sharif’s account indicated it was based in India, Pakistan’s long-standing rival.

An analysis of the controversial image uncovered several discrepancies, confirming that it had been fabricated. A review of Sharif’s official account on December 4, 2025, verified that its actual location is indeed Pakistan. The misleading posts surfaced prominently on November 23, 2025, and included an Urdu-language message suggesting that “Nawaz Sharif has been exposed as the real friend of Modi,” referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

False Narratives Fueling Misinformation

The uproar comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following a deadly four-day conflict in May 2025 that resulted in over 70 fatalities on both sides due to missile, drone, and artillery exchanges. In a climate charged with animosity, the false narratives portraying Sharif as a traitor have gained traction across various platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, since the launch of the location feature on X.

X has issued warnings regarding the accuracy of the location feature, stating that it “may not be accurate and can change periodically.” When users attempt to view an account’s location, a pop-up message clarifies that “the country or region that an account is based can be impacted by recent travel or temporary relocation.” This advisory underscores the potential for misunderstanding and misuse of the information.

Further investigation into the misleading posts reveals significant errors in the shared screenshots. For instance, Sharif’s official handle is @NawazSharifMNS, while the image circulating in the false claims identifies the account as @nawazsharifmns, incorrectly using all lowercase letters. Additionally, the screenshot incorrectly describes Sharif’s title as “Former Mrimite of Pakistan,” a clear misspelling of “Former Prime Minister of Pakistan.”

Impact of Misinformation on Public Perception

The spread of misinformation poses serious risks in politically charged environments. The situation surrounding Nawaz Sharif exemplifies how easily false information can propagate, especially when it plays into existing national narratives. With the political stakes high, both in Pakistan and India, social media remains a powerful tool that can influence public opinion and incite divisiveness.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) has taken steps to debunk these false claims, reinforcing the importance of credible information in the digital age. In a world where misinformation can travel faster than the truth, the responsibility lies with both users and platforms to verify facts before sharing content that can have far-reaching consequences.

As the situation evolves, it will be essential to remain vigilant against the spread of false narratives that could further escalate tensions between Pakistan and India.