ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday dismissed as fake a notification circulating on social media claiming a temporary suspension of all port entries in Pakistan due to the prevailing security situation until March 10.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the fact-checking team of the Ministry of Information clarified that no such notification had been issued by the Cabinet Division or the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, terming the circulating document fabricated.

Authorities urged the public not to rely on unverified information being shared online, stressing that official announcements should only be trusted if issued through verified government channels.

The clarification comes amid tensions linked to developments involving Iran and its announcement regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, connecting major Gulf producers — including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates — to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Nearly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil consumption passes through the narrow waterway, which measures about 33 kilometres at its tightest point.

A day earlier, Pakistan sought an alternative oil supply route through Yanbu, a Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia, after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The request was made by Ali Pervaiz Malik during a meeting with the Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al‑Malki, according to a statement issued by the petroleum division.