Fake News Exposed: Authorities Confirm Unmarried Couples Are Not Barred from Visiting Naran. Misleading social media posts recently caused widespread confusion by claiming that unmarried couples were banned from entering Naran and were being asked to present marriage certificates at checkpoints. After official verification from the police and district administration, authorities have categorically denied these claims. Here is the complete truth behind the viral story.
Naran Unmarried Couples Entry Ban – The Truth
In the past 24 hours, social media was flooded with posts claiming that unmarried couples cannot enter Naran unless they provide a marriage certificate. A photo of a signboard reading “Marriage certificate required for entry to Naran” was widely shared, triggering outrage and confusion among tourists.
However, official authorities have now confirmed that the claim is entirely false. No such restriction exists, and no marriage certificates are required at any checkpoint.
Viral Claim and Fake Signboard
On September 27, a Facebook post showing a fake signboard went viral, reaching tens of thousands of users within hours. The post generated:
- 30,000+ views
- 3,600+ comments
- 1,200+ shares
The misleading post spread quickly to X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, with users believing that the government had imposed a new policy targeting unmarried couples.
Mansehra Police Issues Official Clarification
To stop the misinformation, District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Gandapur issued a public statement:
“All tourists are welcome in Naran. No police officer is asking for marriage certificates. The viral signboard is fake.”
The Mansehra Police also posted on their official Facebook page confirming:
- No ban exists on unmarried couples
- No marriage certificate checks are being carried out
- The viral posts are baseless and misleading
This clarification has helped settle concerns among tourists planning to visit the area.
Confirmation from Local Administration
Further validating the police’s stance, Assistant Commissioner Balakot, Muhammad Nadir, stated that:
- There is no official directive banning unmarried couples
- Police only conduct routine vehicle inspections as part of security SOPs
- No officer has been instructed to verify marital status
This confirms that tourists can visit Naran freely without fear of harassment.
How Social Media Misinformation Spreads
This incident once again highlights how misinformation spreads rapidly online, often without verification. Social media signboards, edited images, and sensational headlines can create unnecessary panic among the public.
Authorities advise citizens to:
- Confirm information from official police pages
- Avoid sharing unverified posts
- Rely on trusted news sources
Practical Tips for Tourists Visiting Naran
To ensure a safe and smooth trip:
- Check Mansehra Police official Facebook/X accounts for real-time updates
- Verify any “shocking” travel posts with official sources
- Keep receipts and contact details of your tour operator
- Respect local culture and follow safety rules
- Avoid unregistered tour companies promoting late-night activities
FAQs
Q: Is there a ban on unmarried couples entering Naran?
A: No. Authorities have confirmed that no such ban exists.
Q: Are police checking marriage certificates at checkpoints?
A: Absolutely not. Police are only conducting routine safety inspections.
Q: Where did the rumor come from?
A: A fake viral signboard shared online, which created confusion and panic.
Q: What should tourists do before planning a trip?
A: Follow local laws, verify information from official channels, and avoid trusting unverified social media posts.
