Here Is a Unique Viral News Snippet for a Fact-Checker, Written in the Style of a Breaking Social Media Post.
Here is a unique viral news snippet for a fact-checker, written in the style of a breaking social media post.
SNIPPET:
🚨 VIRAL CLAIM: Multiple posts across Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp are claiming that the Pakistan Electricity Department has imposed a new “Heatwave Surcharge” of 50% on all electricity bills for June, July, and August, with a graphic showing the official stamp of the Ministry of Energy.
THE TEXT BEHIND THE GRAPHIC: “Breaking: Due to severe heatwave, extra 50% surcharge on all units. Mandatory for all consumers. Government order #IEP-3947. Please pay else disconnection. Share so others know.”
📸 The post is accompanied by a blurry image of a document with official-looking seals.
⚠️ VERDICT: FAKE
FACT-CHECK:
No Official Order: The Ministry of Energy and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) have not issued any such order. NEPRA is the only body that can approve tariff changes, and no such “Heatwave Surcharge” has been proposed or approved.
Graphic is Doctored: The graphic circulating uses an old, genuine notification template from 2022 regarding fuel price adjustments, but the text and percentage have been digitally altered. The seal shown is generic and not specific to any current tariff.
No Government Announcement: As of today, the Prime Minister’s office and the Power Division have made no public statements regarding any new surcharge. The current official structure only includes existing quarterly adjustments and fuel price variations, not a flat 50% levy.
Source Check: The earliest post originated from an anonymous Facebook page known for spreading misinformation about utility bills. No credible news outlet (Dawn, Geo News, ARY, APP) has reported