Viral video of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman apologising for recent comments critical of state

RATING JUSTIFICATION

The iVerify Pakistan team investigated the notification and determined that it is false.

To reach this conclusion, iVerify Pakistan conducted a keyword and reverse image search and forensic analysis of visuals using AI tools.

Several people, including PML-N supporters based on past posts, have been sharing a video on social media platform X since October 22, 2026, allegedly showing Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman apologising for his recent statements critical of the state. However, the video is doctored using AI.

Fazl levelled direct allegations against the federal government and the military establishment following the October 11, 2026, enforcement of governor’s rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). In a series of sharp rebukes, culminating in a public address in Multan on October 16, 2026, Rehman targeted the establishment by warning that “powerful forces taking more authority onto their shoulders will soon be crushed under the weight of that power”.

Fazl has faced recurrent criticism and rebukes from federal ministers and state officials over recent speeches critical of the military and the government since the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

HOW IT STARTED

On Oct 22, an X account that appears to be a PML-N supporter based on its past posts shared a video showing Fazl allegedly apologising for his statements against the state.

The caption of the post reads: “Breaking: Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s apology over remarks against the state of Pakistan. Now that the apology has been offered, the matter should be considered closed. Acknowledging a mistake is the first sign of reform. Maulana should now be forgiven”

The post attracted 130,000 views.

Another PML-N supporter, based on their bio and past posts, shared the same video on X in a similar context with the following caption: “Most important: Maulana Fazlur Rehman has apologised for his anti-state statements. Now, all friends are requested to stop posting against Maulana Sahib.”

The post gained 24,000 views.

Jalal Sherazi, the social media coordinator for the Strategic Reforms Prime Minister’s Office Team, also shared the same video on X in a similar context with the following caption: “If Fazl’s apology is truly from the heart, then it will also have to be proven through his actions and future stance. The question is: has his conscience awakened, or has the software simply been updated? Just asking for forgiveness doesn’t end the matter; the real test will be seen in his future statements and behavior.”

The post garnered 9,000 views.

Similarly, several other PML-N supporters, based on their past posts, shared the same video in a similar context on X, as can be seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here; collectively accumulating 51,000 views on X.

METHODOLOGY

A fact-check was initiated to verify the claim due to its virality and keen public interest in the tense relations between the JUI-F chief and the government.

A keyword search conducted to determine whether credible mainstream media outlets had reported the alleged remarks yielded no results to corroborate them.

Investigating the clip showed discrepancies in the synchronisation between the audio and Fazl’s lip movements, suggesting that the video appeared to be dubbed.

A reverse image search conducted to trace the original clip yielded a video posted on his official YouTube account, dated July 15, 2026, with the following title: “Maulana Fazlur Rehman video message for Joint Action Committee 15 July 2026.”

In the video, the JUI-F chief urged the banned Awami Action Committee to refrain from taking any further action for the time being and allow a few days for efforts aimed at resolving the dispute in Azad Jammu and Kashmir at the time.

The same was also corroborated by a keyword search that yielded a YouTube video of news outlet Geo News, dated July 16, 2026, with the following title, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman urges banned Public Action Committee to show restraint.”

The viral video was then analysed using AI video and audio detection tools. UncovAI flagged the audio as 100 per cent AI-generated.

Similarly, the SORA AI Video Detector flagged the video as 66.67pc AI-generated.

Fake-O-Meter, an AI audio detection tool, also flagged the audio as 87.9pc AI-generated.

Further searches yielded a post shared by Jamiat Digital Media on X on October 22, 2026, describing the viral video as “fake news and disinformation”.

FACT-CHECK STATUS: FALSE

The claim that a viral video shows JUI-F president Maulana Fazlur Rehman apologising for his statements critical of the state is false.

The clip is doctored and has been dubbed over with AI-generated audio.

EVIDENCE AND REFERENCES

October 22, 2026, Jamiat Digital Media X post:
https://x.com/JamiatDigital/status/2113332153572311111

July 16, 2026, Geo News YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G92xuslo23A

July 15, 2026, YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oFqius9aBQ