Some Pakistani Australians are experiencing significant repercussions after the false identification of one of the alleged Bondi attackers circulated online. Zeeshan Iqbal, a resident of Sydney, reports that his son, Haider Zeeshan, faced uncomfortable questions at his high school due to misinformation about the alleged gunman’s nationality.
As misinformation spread rapidly across social media following the Bondi Beach massacre, members of the Pakistani community found themselves unfairly targeted. Naveed Akram, a Pakistani migrant living in New South Wales, shares a name with one of the accused attackers and feared for his life after being wrongly identified online as one of the shooters.
The Impact of Misinformation on Communities
The damage from such misinformation extends beyond social media, affecting real lives. Zeeshan Iqbal noted that his son was questioned by classmates about Pakistani involvement in the violence that left 15 people dead. “He was made uncomfortable and effectively singled out for something that was completely untrue,” Iqbal told SBS Urdu.
The spread of false information is not new, especially during crises. “These rumors fill the gap of verified information,” Iqbal explained. “Minority communities in Australia, particularly, become targets. By the time the truth is clarified, harm is already done.”
False Claims and Their Consequences
The alleged attacker Naveed Akram was born in Australia, while his father, Sajid Akram, an Indian citizen, was fatally shot by police. Despite this, incorrect claims about the younger Akram’s background proliferated on platforms like Facebook and X, remaining online and amassing hundreds of thousands of views.
“This is, I think, a broader issue now,” Iqbal said. “Governments, media organizations, and big social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook should address it, or it will become a bombshell in the future.”
In late 2024, the federal government attempted to introduce laws that would fine social media companies up to 5% of their annual turnover for spreading misinformation. However, facing opposition, the government abandoned the proposed legislation.
Community Reactions and Calls for Responsibility
Iqbal is not alone in his concerns. Talha Rehmani, another Pakistani Australian, shared his experience of fear and discomfort due to the misinformation. “Just because the names are similar, people assumed the attackers were from Pakistan,” he said, highlighting the immediate blame placed on the community.
Rehmani recounted how his friend, who shares the last name Akram, faced questioning while working as a ride-share driver. “It can cause problems for us, especially for the Pakistani people. We may have to face the consequences of this false information.”
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, condemned the spread of false claims about the gunman’s nationality, framing it as part of a disinformation campaign against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Australian multicultural community leaders are calling for unity and caution against collective blame.
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Spread of Misinformation
The Bondi attack, targeting a Jewish Hanukkah celebration and allegedly motivated by the ideology of the self-proclaimed Islamic State group, has raised concerns about social cohesion. However, it has also prompted an outpouring of support and kindness from diverse backgrounds.
Naveed Akram, a business owner who arrived in Australia in 2018, expressed his distress after his image was wrongly associated with the alleged gunman. “I’m very stressed and scared about this, and I cannot even go outside safely,” he said, describing the ordeal as traumatic.
“People should show more responsibility. It can ruin someone’s life,” Akram urged, emphasizing the need for accountability in sharing information.
The Pakistani community in Australia has extended condolences to the victims of the violence. Azam Mohammad, the former Pakistani consul-general in Sydney, condemned the attack and called for justice. “It is distressing and horrifying news. May all the deceased rest in peace, and our condolences to their friends and family,” he told SBS Urdu.
This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Urdu, highlighting the ongoing challenges and responses to misinformation in the wake of the Bondi attack.
