Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, has categorically denied the authenticity of a circulating notification on social media, which claimed that the government was set to ban the Rs5,000 currency note.
The misleading notification, purportedly issued by the Finance Division, had suggested that the Rs5,000 note would cease to be legal tender after September 30, advising citizens to exchange these notes at banks or other financial institutions.
It also implied that after the deadline, these notes could only be accepted at designated government offices and the central bank.
Read more: SBP rejects rumours of discontinuation of Rs5,000 banknote
Solangi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), unequivocally labeled the notification as fake. He emphasised that the government would take stringent measures against individuals involved in spreading such disinformation.
This is fake. The Govt of Pakistan shall act against the people spreading this kind of fake news to create chaos.
یہ جھوٹا نوٹیفکیشن ہے۔
حکومتِ پاکستان ایسے جھوٹے نوٹیفیکیشن پھیلانے والوں کیخلاف سخت کارروائی کرے گی۔
👇 pic.twitter.com/9yU3DlM5UK
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) September 7, 2023
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through its fact-check handle, also debunked the notification's authenticity, reaffirming its commitment to dispelling false information.
Disseminating #FakeNews is not only unethical and illegal but it is also disservice to the nation. It is the responsibility of everyone to reject irresponsible behavior. Reject #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/bfrLn0b2Io
— Fact Checker MoIB (@FactCheckerMoIB) September 7, 2023
In a statement, the ministry underscored the ethical and legal implications of disseminating fake news, describing it as a disservice to the nation. They urged citizens to reject irresponsible behavior and refrain from sharing false information.
The emergence of this rumour comes at a time when some economists have suggested banning the Rs5,000 currency note as a potential measure to combat corruption in the country. While the issue of curbing corruption remains a pressing concern, it is essential to rely on official government channels for accurate information and updates regarding currency-related policies.
The government has made it clear that it has not issued any such notification regarding the Rs5,000 currency note, and the note continues to be legal tender as per existing regulations.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
