Journalist claims image purported to be Sahiwal Coal Power Plant actually a unit in S. Africa

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 May 2017

Journalist Omar R. Quraishi has revealed that an image used for the inauguration of the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant is actually from South Africa. Further investigation by another journalist suggests the image might be from a plant in Georgia, USA, instead.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Journalist Omar R. Quraishi Sunday claimed the picture used by the Punjab government to announce the inauguration of Sahiwal Coal Power plant was actually that of a plant in South Africa.

“Pic used by Govt of Punjab verified Twitter handle showing it to be of Sahiwal power plant is actually from South Africa,” tweeted Quraishi, who is editor digital properties at Samaa TV.

The tweet carries pictures and the respective announcements. The Punjab government announces: “ATTN: 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal Power plant – the first mega project under CPEC will be inaugurated tomorrow.”

The other image has this announcement: “South Africa says construction of coal-fired power plants to continue.”

However, later journalist Naila Inayat informed JournalismPakistan.com the image wasn’t that of a South African plant either. She claimed it was of Plant Bowen in Cartersville, Georgia, United States.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman commenting on the story tweeted: “So funny” while comedian and rapper Ali Gul Pir tweeted: “Steal money from state and steal pictures from internet. Kuch toh chor do!.”

Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, daughter of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto tweeted two emojis bursting with laughter.

KEY POINTS:

• Omar R. Quraishi claims the inauguration image is misleading.
• The Punjab government tweeted the image as Sahiwal Coal Power Plant.
• Naila Inayat identifies the image as Plant Bowen in Georgia, USA.
• Public figures react humorously to the revelation.
• The controversy raises concerns about misinformation in official announcements.