SYDNEY: India and Afghanistan-based social media accounts have launched a propaganda campaign attempting to link the recent deadly shooting in Sydney to Pakistan, falsely identifying a Pakistani youth as one of the attackers.
According to reports, several Indian and Afghan social media users circulated images and claims alleging that Naveed Akram, a Pakistani youth residing in Sydney, was involved in the attack. Naveed Akram has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them completely false and misleading.
In a video message, Naveed Akram exposed the propaganda, stating that his photograph was being misused to spread lies. He clarified that he has no connection whatsoever with terrorism or the Sydney shooting, warning that the baseless claims have put his personal safety and reputation at serious risk. He also appealed for an immediate end to the false campaign on social media.
Earlier, Australian police officially declared the Sydney beach shooting a terrorist incident, confirming that the attackers were a father and son. Police have also announced that the search for additional suspects has been concluded.
The shooting incident, which took place at a Sydney beach, resulted in 16 people being killed and 40 others injured. One attacker was shot dead during police action, while the second was arrested in an injured condition.
Meanwhile, Australian media highlighted an act of extraordinary bravery during the attack. A local citizen, 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed, was hailed as a hero after risking his life to overpower one of the attackers and seize his weapon, saving several lives. Ahmed, a fruit vendor in Sydney and father of two, sustained two gunshot wounds to his arm and is currently receiving treatment in hospital, where he is reported to be out of danger.
