Pakistani YouTuber 'Ducky Bhai' files plea against physical remand in betting case

Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, widely known as “Ducky Bhai,” has filed an appeal in a Lahore court challenging the judicial magistrate's decision regarding his physical remand.

Rehman, one of Pakistan’s leading digital content creators with over eight million subscribers, was arrested on August 17 at Lahore’s international airport. Authorities claimed that he was attempting to travel abroad despite being on a government "Prohibited/National Interest List," which restricts certain individuals from leaving the country.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has accused Rehman of promoting illegal online betting platforms, including 1XBet and Binimi, through his popular YouTube channel and social media accounts. Under Pakistani cybercrime and criminal laws, advertising and facilitating such platforms is strictly prohibited.

The case has been registered under the Electronic Crimes Act (FIR No. 196/25), amended earlier this year, and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code concerning obscenity and fraud. Authorities also seized a mobile phone during his arrest.

The appeal, filed by Ducky Bhai’s legal team, contests the decision to grant a four-day physical remand without a thorough examination of the facts. The defense argues that the remand was granted arbitrarily and should be annulled.

The Lahore court has accepted the appeal and scheduled it for hearing, issuing a notice to the NCCIA to submit their written response by September 1.

Rehman, known for his family vlogs, gaming content, and frequent online controversies, has a significant following among Pakistan's youth. His arrest has triggered a broader debate within the digital community, raising concerns about the boundaries of digital content regulation and freedom of expression in Pakistan.