A few days ago, an image depicting the Pakistan flag displayed atop the iconic Burj Khalifa circulated widely by pro-Pakistani accounts such as @SharyOfficial and @Rnawaz31888, with claims that it was captured during the recent Independence Day celebration on August 14th. The image gained traction as it appeared to symbolize the celebration of Pakistan’s 76th year of independence. Instead, it dates back to March 2023, when the Pakistani flag was proudly exhibited on the skyscraper to commemorate Pakistan’s National Day.
When we dug further and reverse-searched the image, we found out that the same pictures were uploaded by Pakistan Embassy in UAE on Pakistan’s National Day on 24th March, 2023.
On 14th August, Pakistan’s flag was displayed on the iconic building but not at midnight but at 07:30 PM. Emaar Group, the organization responsible for managing and owning the Burj Khalifa, shared a video on the evening of August 14th, showing the majestic skyscraper lit up. This video aimed to capture the true essence of the Independence Day celebration, separate from the misleading image circulating online.
The motivation behind the spread of these old Burj Khalifa images amidst rumours and controversy lies in a multifaceted context. Firstly, some Pakistanis sought to display their friendly and harmonious relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite facing military, political, and economic challenges, they aimed to underscore the strength of their diplomatic ties. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
Claim: An image of the Pakistan flag displayed on Burj Khalifa was circulated at a recent Independence Day celebration.
Fact: The image is from March 2023, unrelated to Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
