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Pakistani Social Media Accounts Spread Misinformation Post-Pahalgam Attack

On April 22, in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, a terror attack took place in which 26 tourists were killed. In this attack, Hindu civilians were specifically targeted and brutally murdered because of their religion. While the entire nation is mourning this deadly act of terror, India has held Pakistan responsible for cross-border terrorism. However, Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack.

In the aftermath, tensions between the two countries have escalated, and both nations are currently on high alert. Amid these developments, a concerning and coordinated disinformation campaign emerged on social media. Multiple propaganda-driven accounts on X, the majority originating from Pakistan, turned the tragedy into propaganda and began pushing narratives against India.

Notably, the hashtag #IndiaFalseFlag began trending on X shortly after the deadly terror attack, aiming to portray the attack as an inside job or staged drama by the Indian government. Using this trending hashtag, numerous Pakistan-based accounts alleged internal strife within the Indian armed forces. Some even claimed that the Modi government had arrested or sacked high-ranking officers for expressing pro-Pakistan views related to the attack.

The terror incident was also used to fuel communal tensions in India, with several old incidents involving Kashmiri Muslims being reshared in misleading contexts to suggest that minorities were being targeted in the aftermath. Most of the accounts amplifying these claims were found to be impersonating Indian users.

In addition, this national tragedy was also used to amplify anti-Sikh propaganda within India. Several claims originated from Pakistan, alleging that the Indian Army was killing its own Sikh soldiers or deliberately not posting them to critical locations. This narrative was used to portray the Indian forces as internally fractured and to suggest that communal tensions were rising within them.

After continuous monitoring, we have covered several instances of fake news in this compilation report, highlighting how Pakistani handles, along with some Indian propaganda accounts, were involved in using the Pahalgam tragedy to push narratives against India in this propaganda war.

HeadlineClaimFact
1. Viral India Today X Post Claiming Babar Azam as Pahalgam Terror Suspect Is FakeA sketch of Pakistani cricketer Babar Azam, along with two others, was included in the list of suspects behind the Pahalgam terror attack.The original post by India Today on X, shared on April 23, 2025, did not feature Babar Azam’s sketch in the list of suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.
2. Claim About Kashmiri Student Tanveer Hussain’s Death in Kolkata Is MisleadingFollowing the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a Kashmiri student named Tanveer Hussain was found dead in a Kolkata college hostel.The incident involving a Kashmiri student found dead in a Kolkata hostel occurred in June 2023. The incident is two years old and unrelated to the recent events.
3. Claim of Kashmiri Students Being Beaten up After Terror Attack in Pahalgam is FalseAfter the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmiri students were beaten up in Maharajgunj Medical Campus.The incident involving the Kashmiri students occurred on March 19, 2025, at the Maharajgunj Medical Campus in Kathmandu, over a month before the Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on April 22, 2025.
4. No, China Has Not Blocked River Water to India Amid Indus Treaty SuspensionAfter India put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold following the Pahalgam terror attack, China has also stopped the flow of all its river water to India.While India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack, there is no official confirmation or credible media report indicating that China has stopped the flow of river water to India.
5. Reports Claiming Chinese Forces Are on High Alert Near Indian Border in Support of Pakistan Are FakeChina has placed its military on high alert near Indian border, likely in close coordination with Pakistan.There is no credible evidence to support the allegation that China has heightened military activity near the Indian border or is acting in coordination with Pakistan.
6. Old Indian Army Artillery Drill Video Falsely Shared as Pakistani Military Threat to IndiaThe video shows artillery vehicles as part of a Pakistani military operation posing a serious threat to India.The video actually shows an Indian Army BM-21 Grad artillery drill, available on YouTube for over 7 years. It is not related to any recent activity by the Pakistan Army.
7. Viral Video of Pakistani Fighter Jets Conducting Exercise Dates Back to 2020The threat of nuclear war. Pakistan Air Force exercises begin on the motorway.The viral video is actually from October 2020, when the Pakistan Air Force conducted road runway operations in Lahore.
8. Viral Video Claiming Pakistani Air Force Readiness Is Two Years OldPakistan Air Force is on high alert following rising tensions between India and Pakistan.The viral video is actually from May 2023 and shows the Pakistani Air Force participating in the Flight Tactical Exercise Anatolian Eagle-2023 held in Konya, Turkey.
9. Video of Justin Trudeau Labelling India As Terrorist State is OldFormer Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has labeled India a terrorist state.Former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau never called India a terrorist state. In October 2024, he accused India of violating Canadian sovereignty over killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Later, he publicly admitted that he had no concrete evidence of India’s direct involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
10. Claim That Indian Air Force Bombed Its Own Civilians Is FalseIndian Air Force, while trying to bomb Pakistan, accidentally dropped a bomb on its own civilians in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.An inadvertent release of a non-explosive aerial material occurred from an Indian Air Force aircraft. There were no casualties or injuries reported in the incident.
11. Viral Claim of Indian Army Fleeing Press Conference Over War with Pakistan Is FalseThe Indian Army stated they cannot fight a war with Pakistan and fled during a press conference.The video is unrelated to the recent escalation between India and Pakistan at the LOC. The press conference took place in March 2025 and was held to ensure a fair investigation into the assault of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath.
12. Image Claiming Indian Soldiers Killed in Neelam Sector Is FalseIndian soldiers were killed in the line of duty at the Neelam sector.The image being circulated actually shows Sri Lankan soldiers killed by LTTE terrorists in October 2006.
13. Viral Video of Fighter Jet Claiming Pakistan’s Readiness for War Is OldPakistan Air Force is ready for war with India.The viral video is from October 2024 and is unrelated to the recent escalation at the LOC.
14. Pakistani Army Did Not Destroy Two Indian PostsPakistani Army has destroyed two Indian posts in Leepa area.The viral images are from Northern Ireland and unrelated to the India-Pakistan tension.
15. Viral Video Claiming Pakistan Army Strike Destroyed Indian Army Post in Leepa Valley Is FalseA precision strike along the LOC in Leepa Valley has destroyed an Indian Army post, killing 21 soldiers and several others critically injured.The viral video showing a plume of smoke is actually from a music video shared on YouTube by Cool Swag on April 2, 2025.
16. Claim That Indian Army Couldn’t Provide Two Meals a Day for Soldiers Is MisleadingThe Indian Army is in such a state that it needs two meals a day. The morale of the Indian army has been shattered.The person in the video is former Indian soldier Chandu Chauhan, who was terminated for indiscipline and unsoldierly conduct. After his dismissal, he made several false and malicious statements that were refuted by the Indian Army.
17. Viral Video Claiming Indian Soldier Was Caught at LoC Is False; It’s a PrankAn Indian soldier was captured by local residents near the Line of Control in Pakistan. The viral video is a prank video shared by Ibrahim Chaudhary on YouTube in March 2024.
18. Viral Claim of 250 Indian Officers and 1,200 Soldiers Resigning is FalseOver 250 officers and 1,200 soldiers resigned as war situation brews, tension skyrocketing in India.There are no reports of army officers or personnel resigning following the heightened tensions at the LoC. Secondly, the video is from Chandigarh recorded in march 2025 after a joint Army-Punjab DGP press conference.
19. Viral Video of Explosion Claiming to Be from Leepa Valley Is FalseThere are reports of huge explosions in a military ammunition depot in India’s Leepa Valley. The viral video is from March 2022 and shows an explosion at an ammunition storage area in Sialkot, northern Pakistan. It is unrelated to the recent tensions at the LoC border.
20. Viral Video Claiming Pakistani Attack on Indian Army Post is FalseThe Pakistan Army successfully targeted an Indian Army post near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. Evidence from language analysis, image checks, and military knowledge suggests the viral video isn’t of a Pakistani attack but likely shows a road blast in Nepal.
21. Viral Claim That Pakistan Shot Down IAF Rafale in Poonch Sector Is FalsePakistan Army has shot down Indian Rafale jets in the Poonch sector of the LOC.The viral video is from June 2024 and shows the crash site of an Su-30MKI in Nashik, Maharashtra. The aircraft crashed during a test flight following a major overhaul conducted by HAL at its Nashik facility.
22. Viral Claim That Pakistan Shot Down IAF Sukhoi Is FalsePakistan Army has shot down Indian AirForce Sukhoi fighter jet near Pahawalpur, Pakistan.The viral image is from June 2024 and shows the crash site of an Su-30MKI in Nashik, Maharashtra. The aircraft crashed during a test flight following a major overhaul conducted by HAL at its Nashik facility.
23. North Korea Has Not Declared Support for Pakistan in Ind-Pak ConflictNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated that North Korea will support Pakistan in the event of a conflict with India.There are no credible media reports or statement confirming that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has backed Pakistan against India.
24. Social Activist in Kupwara Shot Dead by Terrorist, Not Indian ForcesIndian forces killed social activist in Kupwara.The 45-year-old social activist Ghulam Rasool Magray was shot dead by a terrorist inside his residence at Kandi Khas on April 26.
25. Death of Kashmiri MBBS Student in Jammu College Shared With Misleading ClaimFollowing Pahalgam attack, a Kashmiri MBBS student killed in Jammu medical college.On April 27, 22-year-old Falak Sayed Khan was found hanging in a hostel room of Jammu medical college. Investigation is ongoing to determine cause of death.
26. No, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh Has Not Been SackedAir Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been sacked.There are no credible reports confirming that Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been removed or sacked from his position. He assumed his role on September 30, 2024, and continues to serve as the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force
27. Viral Images Claiming Four Indian Soldiers Recently Killed at LOC Are FalseThere was intense shelling by Pakistan on the LOC late at night, and the Indian army retaliated strongly. Unfortunately, four Indian soldiers were killed.The viral images of four Indian soldiers are from May 2020. They were killed in action during an encounter in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir.
28. Claim of 72 Indian Soldiers Dying in Border Exchange Last Night is Fake72 soldiers died during border border exchange. Report only mentions exchange of fire from both the Indian and Pakistan sides. No casualties have been reported.
29. Viral Video Claiming Pakistan’s War Readiness With Convoy of Armored Vehicles Is OldAfter heightened tensions at the border, Pakistan is preparing for war, with a convoy of armored vehicles moving toward the Indian border.The viral video has been available on the internet since March 2024 or earlier. It is unrelated to the recent tensions at the Line of Control (LOC).
30. Claim Linking Amir Hassan’s Death to Pahalgam Attack FalseFollowing the Pahalgam terror attack, a Kashmiri student, Amir Hassan Mir, was killed in Chandigarh.The news of Kashmiri student Hassan Mir’s death in Chandigarh dates back to 2021, and it was reportedly a case of suicide.
31. Old Video of Ex-Servicemen Protesting Against Farm Laws Falsely Linked to Pahalgam Terror AttackThe viral video shows ex-servicemen accusing the government and the media after the Pahalgam terror attack.The video is actually from the 2021 farmer protests at Ghazipur border and has no connection to the Pahalgam terror attack.
32. The Person Who Said That the Pahalgam Terror Attack Was Pre-Planned Is Not an Indian SoldierAshok Kumar, an officer in the Indian Army, stated that the incident in Pahalgam was not a terrorist attack but rather a ‘pre-planned’ act.The person seen in an Indian Army uniform has been identified as Dr. Kanji Malik, a Pakistani national. He posed as Army officer Ashok Kumar in a video aimed at spreading propaganda.
33. Not Kashmiri Civilian but Terrorist Worker Killed in Search Operation in BandiporaIndian troops martyr one Kashmiri youth in Bandipora.After a tip-off about terrorists, security forces searched Bandipora’s Kulnar Bazipora. Fire was exchanged between terrorists and security forces resulting in two personnel injured and an overground terrorist worker killed.
34. Claim That U.S. and Israeli Air Force Planes Landed in India Is FalseA U.S. Air Force plane and an Israeli military aircraft landed in India.There is no credible evidence to confirm that any U.S. Air Force or Israeli military aircraft have landed in India recently.
35. No, 14 Muslims Did Not Die in Pahalgam Attack, Viral List Is Fake14 Muslims are among the victims killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.This list is fake. The actual list shows only one Muslim victim, Syed Adil Hussain Shah; the rest of the victims are Hindus.
36. Claim That Media Fabricated Story About Man Shot for Not Reciting Kalma Is FalseThe media falsely reported that a person was shot dead by terrorists for not reciting the Kalma during the Pahalgam terrorist attack.This story was not fabricated by the media; it was shared by the victim’s wife who was an eyewitness to the incident.
According to her, the terrorists asked her husband, “Are you a Hindu or a Muslim? If you’re a Muslim, recite the Kalma. We won’t shoot you.” But when he didn’t, they shot him.
37. The Wire Spreads Misinformation on Pahalgam Attack Victim’s StatementThe Wire reported that after the Pahalgam terror attack, a woman said the terrorists killed her husband because they thought he was Muslim.In the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on April 21, 2025, the same woman, as quoted in The Wire report, stated that the terrorists said, “Perhaps he is not a Muslim,” and then shot her husband.
38. Claim That India Requested Iran to Mediate in India-Pakistan Crisis Is FalseIndia has asked Iran to mediate in the crisis between India and Pakistan.The viral claim is false. In fact, on April 26, it was Iran who offered to mediate between India and Pakistan amid ongoing tensions along the LoC.
39. Video of 2024 MiG-29 Crash in Agra Falsely Linked to Recent EventsAn Indian MiG-29 crashed yesterday, and the reason is unknown. India is losing jets like paper jets.The video is from November 2024. A MiG-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Agra during a routine training sortie due to a system malfunction.
40. Old Photo of Kalyan Singh Falsely Shared as PM Modi Hospitalised for DepressionIndian PM Modi is hospitalised due to depression.The viral photo is from July 2021 and shows former UP CM Kalyan Singh in the ICU. He passed away in August 2021.
41. Viral Claim That Indian Soldiers Fired on Their Own Sikh Troops Is FalseThe Indian Army killed its own five Sikh soldiers.There are no credible reports suggesting that the Indian Army shot its own Sikh soldiers on the night of April 25–26. Additionally, the image used in the claim has been available on the internet since July 2014 or earlier and is related to a Maoist attack. It has no connection to the ongoing tensions at the LoC.
42. Shaurya Chakra Awardee Mudasir Shaikh’s Mother is Not Being Deported to PakistanThe mother of Shaurya Chakra awardee Mudasir Shaikh, who laid down his life for the country, is being deported.Baramulla Police has categorically denied reports that the mother of Mudasir Shaikh, who was killed in the line of duty, is being deported to Pakistan.
43. Claim That General Suchindra Kumar Has Been Arrested by Indian Government Is FalseGeneral MV Suchindra Kumar, was arrested by Indian authorities and flown to Delhi after allegedly calling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack a “staged drama” by the Indian government.The claim that General MV Suchindra Kumar was arrested for calling the Pahalgam attack a staged drama is completely false and baseless. It has been spread by Pakistani media, with no credible reports or official confirmation to support it.
44. Claim of a Brawl Between Rajnath Singh and CDS Anil Chauhan During High-Level Meeting Is FalseCDS and Rajnath Singh nearly clashed after the CDS firmly opposed any major ground or naval offensive. A visibly frustrated PM Modi left the meeting in anger.The viral claim is false. On August 29, PM Modi met with top defense officials and gave the armed forces a free hand to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack.
45. Viral Video Showing Smoke and Fire Claiming India-Pakistan War Is FakeWar Breaks Out Between India and Pakistan.The viral video was originally shared by a Sudan-based X account and has been available online since August 2023. It is unrelated to the current tensions at the LOC.
46. Claim That World Bank Released $108 Million to Pakistan for Arms Purchase Is FalseWorld Bank has approved $108 million for Pakistan to buy advanced U.S., Turkish, and British arms.The viral claim is false. In April 2025, the World Bank approved $108 million in new funding to support key development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
47. Viral Video Linked to India-Pakistan Conflict Actually Shows Pakistan’s Communal ViolenceThis video of the fire is from recent India-Pakistan conflict.The video is actually from November 11, 2024. It shows communal violence that broke out between Shiite and Sunni tribal in Pakistan
48. Video of Pakistan Army’s 2018 Winter Exercise Falsely Linked to Recent TensionsPakistan Army on the move. Tanks & troops near the border.This video is from 30th November 2018, showing a winter training exercise held in the Sialkot region of Punjab province, Pakistan.
49. No, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar Was Not Arrested — He Retired on April 30Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar has been arrested.Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar was not arrested but retired from his post upon attaining superannuation on April 30.
50. Air Marshal SP Dharkar Retired, Not Sacked Over Pakistan Strike Refusal
Air Marshal SP Dharkar was removed from his position as the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force because he refused to carry out air strikes on Pakistan during the ongoing conflict.Air Marshal Dharkar retired on April 30, 2025, after 40 years of service, and that there is no evidence to support the claim that he was dismissed for refusing to conduct air strikes.
51. Viral Images Claiming to Show Classified RAW Documents Are FakeLeaked RAW Documents Reveal: Economic Sabotage in Pakistan, Support for BLA & BNA, and 150-Hour LoC Incursion. The viral documents claiming to be RAW’s operational plan against Pakistan are fake. There is no credible evidence or report confirming the existence or leak of such documents.
52. Viral Video Claiming Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir Is Beating War Drums Is from 2023Army Chief Hafiz Syed Asim Munir reached the Sialkot border and challenged India.The viral video is from November 2023, when Pakistan’s COAS, General Asim Munir, visited a Corps-level collective training exercise conducted by the Strike Corps. The video is unrelated to the recent tension.
53. Viral Images Portraying Pakistan Readiness for War Are OldPakistan Air Force conducted night exercises. Three armed forces are fully prepared.The first image is from a Pakistan Army tank field exercise in the Cholistan Desert, dated November 2013. The second image is from October 2024. Therefore, both images are unrelated to the recent escalation at the LoC.
54. Old 2014 Image Falsely Shared as Recent Indian Army Losses in Ongoing ConflictAfter the Sialkot sector clash, the Indian Army suffered heavy losses.This photo was uploaded on Facebook by a handle named “Indian Army” in 2014 and has been available on the internet since then. It is unrelated to the recent conflict.
55. Viral Video of Soldier Firing Recoilless Rifle Unrelated to Recent Tensions at LoCPakistan Destroys 3 Indian Border Posts in Renewed Clashes. The viral video has been available on the internet since before September 2024 and is unrelated to the recent tensions at the LOC.
56. No Verified Proof of Rafale Retreat After Pakistan Air Force ActionIndian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets were forced to flee after detection by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets.This claim lacks credible and verified evidence. There are no visuals to confirm it. Defence analysts have stated that Combat Air Patrols by Rafales are a standard practice in sensitive areas like Kashmir. There is no evidence of panic or retreat.
57. Viral Letter Claiming Sikh Soldiers Are Barred from Sensitive Border Deployments is FakeIndian Military Intelligence advisory cautioned deployment of Sikh soldiers on sensitive duties. The viral letter is fake. No such advisory has been issued by the Indian Army. The Indian Army does not discriminate in deployments based on caste, religion, race, or creed.
58. Viral Image of Indian Soldiers Wrapped in Tricolour Is Five Years OldPakistani Army has killed five Indian soldiers.The viral image being circulated is from May 2020, when five security personnel were killed during an anti-terror operation in Kashmir. In that operation, two terrorists were also neutralized.
59. No, Dr. Champakali Sarkar Did Not Refuse Treatment to a Muslim Patient After Pahalgam AttackDr. Champakali Sarkar refused to treat a Muslim patient following the Pahalgam terror attack.The allegation is false. Dr. Champakali Sarkar did attend to the patient, and the consultation fee was duly paid, as confirmed by verified payment records.
60. Viral Claim of Harassment of Sikh Soldier Is FalseThe Indian Army filed a false FIR to seize the land of a poor Sikh farmer, who is himself a serving soldier, and also tortured him.The incident is from October 2020 and took place in Rae Bareli, UP, when soldier Rana Singh accused his neighbors and local police of colluding to grab his land. The SP promised swift action. The soldier in the video is not Sikh; his name is Rana Singh.
61. No, Dr. Jaishankar Is Not Being Removed — Viral Claim Is FakeForeign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to be removed from his position.There is no credible news report supporting it. The account making this claim is operated by a Pakistani individual and is impersonating Major General Bishamber Dayal.
62. No, Modi Govt Has Not Called Lt Gen DS Rana a TraitorThe Modi government has labelled Lt Gen DS Rana as a traitor.The claim is baseless—Lt Gen DS Rana has been appointed as the next Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and is expected to take over on June 1. The account making this claim does not belong to Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM; it is an impersonation.
63. Edited Republic TV Graphic Used to Peddle Fake News on Sikh Regiment Refusing To Fight For India21 Sikh Regiment refused to fight for India.The claim was circulated using an edited graphic falsely attributed to Republic TV. The Indian Army’s official page had already labeled this graphic as fake back in 2019.
64. Claim That Pakistan Army Captured Indian Pilot Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra After Jet Crash Is FalsePakistan Army has captured Indian Pilot Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra after jet crashed inside Pakistan. There is no evidence that the Pakistan Army has captured any Indian Air Force Wing Commander. Notably, two officers named Dinesh Chandra have served in the IAF: Wing Commander Dinesh Chandra Ghidyal, commissioned in 1963 and retired in 1992, and Group Captain Dinesh Chandra Bhandari, commissioned in 1956 and a Vir Chakra awardee for his role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
65. Claim That Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashed Near LoC Is FalseIndian Tejas crashed near LOC while performing regular sortie. Reports of pilot ejecting inside Pakistan.The viral claim is false. There are no reports indicating that an Indian Tejas aircraft crashed near the LoC amid border tensions.
66. Claim of Youth Abducted by Indian Intelligence and Found Tortured in Dal Lake Is False24-year-old Taufeeq Ahmad Chopan was abducted by Indian intelligence and later found dead with signs of torture in Srinagar’s Dal Lake.The claim about Taufeeq Ahmad Chopan being abducted and tortured is false. His death resulted from a tragic boat accident.
67. No, General Upendra Dwivedi Didn’t Issue Letter Hinting at Hindu-Sikh DivisionThere is a serious rift or division within the Indian Army, based on religious identity (Hindu vs Sikh).The letter is fake. General Upendra Dwivedi, the current Chief of the Army Staff, has not issued any such letter. The account claiming this under the name of Maj Gen Bishambef Dayal is actually a Pakistani-run handle impersonating an Indian Major General.
68. No, Air Force Chief Didn’t Say IAF Can’t Attack Pakistan Nor Is He Being ReplacedThe Air Force Chief met with PM Modi and said they’re not capable of launching an attack on Pakistan. PM Modi used harsh language, and it’s likely the Air Force Chief might be replaced.On May 4, the IAF chief briefed PM Modi on operational readiness. No credible reports suggest any dispute. The claim, posted by a Pakistani handle impersonating Maj Gen Bishamber Dayal, is false.

These 68 instances of fake news shed light on the coordinated disinformation campaign against India, run by both Indian and Pakistani propaganda accounts in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy on April 22. These alarming instances highlight how these handles resorted to distorting facts and spreading misinformation on a massive scale, even during such a sensitive time, to construct a malicious narrative against India. These findings underscore the urgent need to counter disinformation on social media to maintain reliability of information during times of national crisis.

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