A viral video that appears to show a donkey running across the floor of Pakistan’s parliament has triggered a mix of amusement, disbelief and intense online scrutiny. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows lawmakers stepping back in shock as the animal sprints past them, with one member even falling to the ground.
While the footage has generated substantial attention, its authenticity remains the subject of debate. Several media outlets have reported that the video has yet to be independently verified, with many users suspecting that the visuals could have been digitally manipulated or created using artificial intelligence.
Questions raised about the video’s authenticity
The clip first surfaced on social media, where viewers immediately began questioning whether the donkey’s movements appeared real. According to News Meter, an analysis of the footage suggested anomalies, including inconsistent motion and unnatural patterns that could indicate AI-assisted editing.
Some users on X (formerly Twitter) also pointed out irregular shadows and abrupt changes in frame quality, both commonly observed in AI-generated videos.
However, despite the concerns, sources in Pakistan told reporters that an incident involving a donkey did occur near the parliamentary complex. According to those accounts, the animal entered the premises, was removed by security, and then sprinted back inside, colliding with several MPs before being escorted out again. No official statement has been issued by parliamentary authorities.
Humour and satire flood social media
Regardless of its authenticity, the video has become a focal point for political satire in Pakistan. Netizens responded with witty commentary, drawing parallels between the chaotic incident and the country’s political climate. One user posted, “Gadho ke parliament mai ek aur gadha aa gaya” (“One more donkey enters a parliament full of donkeys”), while another joked that the animal had merely gone to “meet family members”.
Pakistani Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani also weighed in humorously, saying, “Even the animals want a say in our laws.”
AI-generated misinformation remains a global concern
The incident has reignited broader discussions about the growing challenge of distinguishing real footage from AI-generated content. With the rapid development of deepfake technology, videos involving public institutions and political figures increasingly require independent verification.