ISLAMABAD: The narrative promoted by sections of the Indian media linking Pakistan to the recent Bondi Beach incident in Australia is increasingly being questioned after new information emerged from an Indian news outlet itself.
In this regard, the report published by the Indian news organization The Print, attempts to associate the Bondi Beach incident with Pakistan were not supported by available evidence.
The report clarified the background of the attacker, identified as Sajid Akram, and contradicted earlier claims circulated on social and mainstream media platforms. In this sense, The Print reported that Sajid Akram moved to Australia from India in 1998. The publication confirmed that he originally belonged to Hyderabad, in the Indian state of Telangana.
The report stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Akram had any Pakistani nationality or direct links to Pakistan, undermining claims that had rapidly circulated following the incident.
Meanwhile, Naveed Akram, was a natural-born Australian citizen. Despite these facts, several Indian and Israeli media outlets reportedly began attributing the incident to Pakistan shortly after the names of those involved became public.
These allegations were made without verification and were later found to be inconsistent with the facts outlined in The Print’s report.
So far, the report also noted that Australian authorities had sought background information from Indian officials as part of their investigation. The details shared with Australian agencies reportedly made no reference to Pakistan, further weakening the claims made in some media narratives.
In addition, allegations surfaced that fake social media profiles were used to amplify claims linking Pakistan to the incident. These online activities were presented as part of a broader effort to shape public opinion before official findings were available.
The Bondi Beach incident has now become another example highlighting the importance of responsible reporting and fact-checking, especially in cases with international implications.
However, facts now clarified through an Indian media report itself, claims against Pakistan appear to lack substance.
The development has reinforced calls for restraint, accuracy, and professionalism in media coverage, focusing on that accountability and evidence should remain central to reporting on incidents of global concern.
