Photo shows victims of 2011 Pakistan bombing, not train siege

Misleading Social Media Post: Old Photo Falsely Linked to Pakistan Train Siege Victims

A photo, purporting to depict coffins of individuals killed in a train siege in southwestern Pakistan, has been circulating on social media. However, this claim is false. The image actually portrays the coffins of Pakistani army personnel who perished in a bombing incident in February 2011. This misinformation emerged after the recovery of bodies from the train siege in Balochistan, Pakistan, highlighting the spread of fake news related to the tragic event.

False Claims on Social Media Platforms

The deceptive post, shared on platform X on March 14, 2025, included a Hindi caption expressing gratitude to “Baloch brothers.” The image featured coffins covered with Pakistani flags, creating a misleading impression of the context.

This post gained traction following the discovery of numerous bodies of passengers who were victims of a train siege. The incident occurred in Balochistan, a southwestern province of Pakistan known for its mineral wealth but also grappling with poverty. The original incident involved separatist militants.

Train Attack and Separatist Group Involvement

The violent assault on the train, carrying approximately 450 passengers, was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). This group is among several separatist organizations in the region that accuse external entities of exploiting Balochistan’s resources.

The misleading caption further attempted to draw a parallel with past events, stating, “We were not taught to celebrate someone’s death, but Pakistanis celebrated the death of 40 soldiers in the Pulwama terrorist attack, now it is our time.” This refers to a February 2019 suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir, revealing a likely motivation to inflame tensions.

Context of the Original Photo

The same erroneous photo was repeatedly shared across various posts on X and Facebook, amplifying the false narrative.

Contrary to the claims, the image is not recent. A detailed investigation revealed the true origin of the photograph.

Archival Evidence Exposes Misinformation

A keyword search uncovered the identical photo within AFP’s archives. The archival caption clearly states the photo’s actual context: it was released by the army’s communication department on February 10, 2011.

According to the caption, the image documents officials “offering prayers during the funeral service for the army soldiers who were killed in an attack by a teenage suicide bomber on Pakistani army recruits during a parade in Mardan, around 30 kms (20 miles) from the regional capital Peshawar on February 10, 2011.” This definitively proves the image’s age and its unrelated nature to the recent train siege.

Verification Through Reverse Image Search

A reverse image search using Google further confirmed the photo’s history. The search results showed the image was used in a report by the British newspaper, The Independent, concerning the 2011 attack. This independent reporting further substantiates the photo’s original context.

AFP has a track record of fact-checking and debunking similar instances of misrepresented visuals linked to the Pakistan train hijacking incident. This commitment to accuracy helps combat the spread of fake news and ensures public access to reliable information.