A Pakistani man in Sydney says he is scared for his life after being falsely identified online as an alleged Bondi Beach gunman, highlighting the dangers of misinformation after terror attacks.
WEBDESK – MediaBites – December 15, 2025
A Sydney man of Pakistani origin says his life has been turned upside down after being wrongly identified online as one of the alleged gunmen in the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, forcing him to stay indoors amid fears for his safety.
The man, Pakistani-born Naveed Akram, who migrated to Australia in 2018 and runs his own business, says he has been subjected to online abuse, threats and misinformation after social media users circulated his photographs alongside reports of the shooting, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.
“I am stressed and scared. I can’t even go outside safely,” Akram said in a video message posted on social media late Sunday, pleading for help to stop the spread of false claims.
The Bondi Beach attack, declared a terrorism incident by authorities, involved two alleged gunmen — described by NSW Police as a father and son aged 50 and 24. One of the attackers was shot dead at the scene by police, while the other remains under guard in hospital. Police have not officially released the identities of the suspects.
However, various media reports have referred to one alleged gunman as Naveed Akram, a name that has fueled confusion and led to the wrongful targeting of the Pakistani migrant.
“As per media reports, one of the shooters’ name is Naveed Akram. My name is also Naveed Akram — unfortunately our names are the same,” he said in Urdu.
“That person is a different individual. That is not me, and I have nothing to do with that incident or that person.”
Akram said what he described as “propaganda accounts” were linking his personal social media images to coverage of the attack, creating what he warned was a life-threatening situation.
“I really need your help because this can lead to very serious consequences,” he said, urging people to report false posts and misinformation.
Leaders of the Pakistani community in Australia have also spoken out, expressing condolences to the victims and condemning both the attack and the spread of false accusations.
Raeem Azam Mohammad, former Pakistani consul-general in Sydney, described the incident as “evil” and offered sympathies to the families of those killed, including members of the Jewish community targeted in the attack.
“It is most distressing and horrifying news,” he said. “May the deceased rest in peace, and may the perpetrators be brought to justice.”
The case has highlighted growing concerns over misinformation, racial profiling and digital vigilantism in the aftermath of terror incidents, as police continue their investigation into one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in recent years.
1 Comment
Is the deed of assignment ready?