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Fact Check
Video of massive smoke billowing over an area engulfed in fire is being linked to the recent hijacking of Jaffar Express train by the BLA in Pakistan.
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Also Read: Pakistan Train Hijack – Viral Video Message By BLA Threatening China Is Old
We found reports stating that the incident happened while the train was in a tunnel. However, the visuals seen in the viral video are clearly from an open space.
A reverse image search on the keyframes of the viral clip led us to a YouTube post by @ShuaibjaanKhaskhali-q5 (hereafter referred to as just ‘YouTube video’), dated March 10, 2025. Carrying the similar visuals, the post identified it to be from a blaze near Chakar Hotel.
After comparing the keyframes of the viral clip with the YouTube video, we found that both showed the same incident. We also noticed a yellow structure towards the end of the YouTube video, which appeared to be a petrol pump
Subsequent investigation led us to an Instagram post by Geo News, dated March 10, 2025. Carrying similar visuals, it stated, “A fire broke out near Mir Chakar area in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Maymar on Monday. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.”
On comparing the keyframes of the viral video with those of the Instagram footage by Geo News, we could conclude that they were from the same location.
Another video report by News 247 Urdu featuring similar visuals of a fire at the Karachi Super highway sabzi mandi. We noticed the positioning of a network tower in the video report to be the same as seen in the viral clip. Additionally, we also spotted the yellow petrol pump- seen in the YouTube video- in the new report as well.
Multiple Pakistan-based outlets such as this and this reported on a fire that broke out near Karachi’s Chakar Hotel on the Superhighway on Monday (March 10).
Also Read: 2022 Video Falsely Linked To Pakistan Train Hijack, Goes Viral
Hence, an incident from Karachi has been linked to the recent hijacking of Jaffar Express by the BLA.
Sources
YouTube Video By @ShuaibjaanKhaskhali-q5 , Dated March 10, 2025
Instagram Post By Geo News, Dated March 10, 2025
YouTube Video By News 247 Urdu, Dated March 10, 2025
False
Kushel Madhusoodan
March 12, 2025
Vasudha Beri
March 12, 2025
Kushel Madhusoodan
March 11, 2025
