Two major Pakistani news outlets—Geo News and ARY News—have retracted reports about a supposed visit by US President Donald Trump to Pakistan in September. The reports stirred significant buzz, as no sitting US President has visited the country in nearly two decades. However, the US and Pakistani foreign offices refuted the allegation and confirmed that no such trip is planned.
Both channels apologized for airing unverified news and issued retractions as a result of the incident. The US Embassy and the White House also made it clear that there is currently no such plan for the president to visit.
False Reports Spark Diplomatic Buzz
The first reports of the news bulletins by Geo News and ARY News indicated that President Trump would be visiting Pakistan in September. If it were true, it would have been the first US presidential visit after George W. Bush came to Pakistan in 2006.
The news broke rapidly across local and global media channels with speculation about a change in US-Pakistan diplomatic interaction. All the excitement was brief.
Government Denials Follow Quickly
The Pakistan Foreign Office quickly posted a denial of any such visit. Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan informed Dawn.com, “We have no information about this matter.”
Meanwhile, the White House also reacted through a US official who explained that no trip had been planned “at this time.” The US Embassy in Islamabad also told Reuters, “We have nothing to announce.” These denials did not leave any room for speculation.
Channels Retract, Admit Verification Lapse
Coming under increasing criticism, both Geo News and ARY News retracted their reports. Geo News made a public apology. “Geo News apologises to its viewers for broadcasting the news without verification,” the channel said.
ARY News also pulled back its report after Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed the report. An ARY senior official spoke to Reuters and said that the channel had moved too early.
Warming Ties, No Visit Yet
Although there is no visit scheduled in the calendar, ties between the US and Pakistan have thawed under President Trump. Last month, he received Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House.
The meeting was an indication of a strengthening of diplomatic and military relations. However, amidst warming ties, the false report demonstrated the risk of the hasty release without verification.
Responsibility in Reporting
This episode highlights an important lesson in journalism—ahead of speed comes accuracy. The retractions by two of Pakistan’s largest broadcasters illustrate the effect of unverified reporting.
In delicate issues such as international diplomacy, one incorrect headline can lead to confusion and strain on relations. Responsible journalism demands verification, particularly when the risks are so high.
