The Pakistani government is allegedly mirroring the repressive tactics of Iran. Reports suggest that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is engaged in efforts to silence YouTubers and bloggers who criticise the army and the government. The agency is accused of abducting such individuals, with these allegations being brought to light by the families of those affected on social media. This issue has prompted legal action, with individuals turning to the Punjab Provincial Court for redress.
Recent reports indicate that two social media activists associated with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—Naeem Ahmed Yaseen and Arslan Akbar—along with blogger and comedian Aun Khosa, have purportedly been detained by the ISI in Punjab province. Their families have reported them missing. It is alleged that Khosa was abducted by the Pakistani government due to a parody song he created criticising escalating electricity bills. This action by the government has sparked significant condemnation.
A few days before his abduction, Aun Khosa had posted a parody of the well-known Pakistani song “Dil Dil Pakistan,” titled “Bill Bill Pakistan,” on social media. This parody, which critiques high electricity prices and additional taxes, garnered significant attention from his 137,000 YouTube followers. The Lahore High Court has since ordered the Punjab Police to locate and recover Khosa by August 20, following a petition from the families of three missing individuals.
On the night of August 15, armed assailants abducted Khosa from his Lahore home. Known for his comedy and satire videos, Khosa’s recent parody, which addresses escalating electricity bills in Pakistan, has gained substantial popularity. Reports suggest that the government was so incensed by this video that they orchestrated Khosa’s abduction in the early hours of the morning.
Khosa was reportedly taken at around 2 AM. A video from a journalist reveals that the building’s residents were so frightened by the abduction that some have fled their nearby flats. The video also shows a broken door, indicating a forced entry. It is alleged that Khosa was lured downstairs under the guise of a car issue, after which his home’s door was broken down. His relatives have been threatened to remain silent about the incident, and there has been no discussion of the matter. His mobile phone, laptop, and other belongings were seized, leaving his wife and daughter unable to speak out. Khosa’s video, released on August 14, went viral and is part of his broader work, which includes political satire and critiques of various subjects, including the Indian army, in line with local sentiments and political contexts, defending his right to freedom of expression.
The attack on Aun Khosa following his release of the video underscores growing concerns about freedom of expression in Pakistan. Social media is currently inundated with outrage, as users share additional videos criticising the government. One user posted a video highlighting the severe state of Pakistan. Khosa, known for his satirical content, addresses a variety of issues in his videos, including rising inflation and extravagant expenses related to Mukesh Ambani’s son’s wedding, often focusing on the increasing electricity bills in Pakistan.
Political repression in Pakistan remains a persistent issue, with frequent reports of individuals being abducted for challenging the government. Khosa’s content resonated with the public as it tackled real issues faced by ordinary citizens, which is why his videos were so popular. His abduction, occurring shortly after the release of the “Bill Bill Pakistan” video, exemplifies this ongoing problem. For two days, there has been no trace of him. Khosa’s wife, Binish Iqbal, has filed a petition with the Lahore High Court, alleging that the government unlawfully detained her husband. In her petition, Iqbal noted the absence of any information about Khosa’s whereabouts. Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi has instructed the Lahore police to produce Khosa in court by August 20.
According to Dawn, Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Operations Faisal Kamran has reported that the police have not yet received a formal complaint about the alleged abduction. Kamran assured that action will be taken once a complaint is lodged. The petition details that on the night of August 15, approximately a dozen police officers and masked individuals in plain clothes forcibly entered Khosa’s home, breaking down the door. These armed assailants seized Khosa’s phone, laptop, computer system, and digital cameras before departing.
The petition also noted that Khosa repeatedly inquired about the reasons for his abduction, but the authorities did not offer any explanations. On X, Khosa’s brother urged the public to pray for his safe return. Meanwhile, Sher Khan has denied receiving any threatening calls, dismissing them as fake news. There is widespread confusion about the motives behind Khosa’s arrest. One user commented that Khosa’s abduction illustrates how even making people laugh can be seen as a threat to national stability. According to this perspective, for stability, citizens are expected to endure and avoid questioning; only the government determines when it is appropriate to laugh or express sorrow.
