A viral clip shows an angry crowd attempting to burn MNA from Bajaur, Mubarak Zeb, alive

Rating Justification

The iVerify Pakistan team reviewed this content and determined that it is false.

To reach this conclusion, the team conducted a reverse image search and also reached out to a Dawn reporter to verify details of the alleged incident.

On November 1, several users on X shared a 42-second clip showing an angry crowd, covered by local media outlet “Hasban Media.” The caption claimed that the crowd was searching for MNA Mubarak Zeb and wanted to set him on fire. However, iVerify found that Zeb was not present at the event.

HOW IT STARTED

On November 1, the iVerify Pakistan team was alerted via the tipline that a user on X, identified as a PTI supporter based on past posts, shared a video showing a huge crowd running toward the pavilion and jumping over the barrier as a fight broke out on the ground, creating a chaotic scene.

The caption read, “The people’s patience has run out. The public attempted to burn the traitor Mubarak Zeb alive. Generals hold on – very soon, the people will come after the real traitors sitting in GHQ as well.”

The video garnered 256,000 views and was reshared 2,800 times.

The same video was also shared on X here and here.

METHODOLOGY

A fact-check was initiated to verify the claim due to its high virality and public seeking authentication of the claim. The claim gained attention amid backlash from PTI supporters over his decision to support the 26th Constitutional Amendment that was passed last month.

To investigate the video, a Google reverse image search was conducted. A reverse image search yielded video coverage from Dawn News, titled “Players Fight Over Being Declared Out During Cricket Match in Bajaur” dated November 01, 2024.

To investigate the claim, the team contacted Dawn correspondent Zahid Imdad. Dawn correspondent Zahid Imdad reached out to Bajaur DPO Waqas Rafique for verification, who confirmed the video was indeed from the final match of the Bajaur Cricket League. He also clarified that MNA Mubarak Zeb was not present at the event.

Further investigation included a keyword search, leading to a news article from Aaj News titled, “One Killed as Fight Breaks Out Over ‘Team 804’ Player Being Declared Out in KP’s Bajaur.”

According to the article, a violent clash broke out at the Bajaur Sports Complex on Friday during the league’s final match. The conflict began when the third umpire’s controversial decision declared a “Team 804” player out, sparking an altercation between the teams.

The situation escalated, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three others, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) who was on-site. Those injured were promptly transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Due to the violence, officials suspended the match, turning what was meant to be a celebratory league finale into a tragic incident.

FACT-CHECK STATUS: FALSE

The claim that a viral video shows a crowd storming a cricket ground to capture and burn Bajaur MNA Mubarak Zeb alive is false.

The footage is actually from the final match of the Bajaur Cricket League, and the DPO confirmed that Mubarak Zeb was not present at the event.

Evidence and References

November 1, 2024, Dawn News video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FswGWCSuPdY

November 1, 2024, Aaj News report:
https://english.aaj.tv/news/330386756/one-killed-as-fight-breaks-out-over-team-804-player-being-declared-out-in-kps-bajaur