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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Popular YouTuber Saadur Rehman, widely known as Ducky Bhai, has been formally charged in a high-profile case related to the alleged promotion of gambling applications on social media. Rehman, his wife Aroob Jatoi, and several others were indicted by a judicial magistrate on Monday. All accused have pleaded not guilty and intend to contest the charges in court.Magistrate Naeem Wattoo directed the prosecution to present its witnesses at the next hearing, scheduled for February 23, 2026.
The case originates from a broader investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which has been examining social media influencers—including YouTubers and TikTokers—suspected of promoting gambling apps to the public for financial gain.Rehman was arrested in August 2025 during the ongoing probe and later granted bail by the Lahore High Court on November 24, 2025. The inquiry, which began in June 2025, was triggered after evidence suggested that several influencers were using their platforms to endorse gambling applications, potentially misleading their audiences and encouraging illegal gambling activities.
The charges against Rehman fall under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including electronic forgery, fraud, spamming, and spoofing, as well as sections of the Pakistan Penal Code related to offering prizes and cheating.The case has drawn attention not only for the charges but also for alleged misconduct during Rehman’s custody. In October 2025, six NCCIA officials were placed on a three-day physical remand following a complaint by Aroob Jatoi alleging extortion and abuse. Rehman has publicly claimed, including in a December 2025 YouTube video, that he was physically and verbally abused while in custody.
Adding to the controversy, Sarfraz Chaudhry, then Additional Director of NCCIA Lahore, was removed from his position in September 2025 amid allegations of misconduct, including claims of abusing Rehman during his detention. These developments have raised concerns over the agency’s handling of social media investigations and the treatment of high-profile suspects.The case has sent shockwaves across Pakistan’s social media and influencer community. Many creators have expressed concern over the legal risks of endorsing online apps, especially gambling platforms, and are calling for clearer regulations. Legal experts note that this case could set an important precedent for accountability and ethical conduct among influencers in Pakistan.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely attract significant media and public attention, not only because of Ducky Bhai’s popularity but also due to ongoing debates around online promotions, gambling, and cybercrime regulations in the country.
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