Pakistani TikToker arrested over police mockery video

Popular Pakistani social media personality Kashif Zameer was arrested Friday after allegedly mocking police authority in a viral video that showed him giving money to an officer and later showering currency notes in what authorities described as a disrespectful display.

The arrest comes after authorities filed charges under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a controversial cybercrime law that critics say has been used to curtail free speech online.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by police, Zameer attempted to evade legal consequences by creating an altered version of the video using artificial intelligence technology. The modified footage allegedly changed the color of the police uniform, but authorities seized his mobile phone for forensic analysis.

According to the police report, Zameer's actions attempted to bring disrepute to the police department.

Police Constable Khurram Shehzad, who appeared in the video, was also taken into custody. Department records show Shehzad has a problematic service history with 48 negative entries in his file, officials confirmed.

The case gained attention after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif took notice of the incident and ordered disciplinary measures against the officer seen in the footage.

Authorities have taken Zameer into custody for further interrogation while conducting raids to apprehend other potential accomplices.

Increasing scrutiny

Social media influencers in Pakistan have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years as authorities tighten regulations on digital content. The PECA law, enacted in 2016, grants the government broad powers to block content deemed harmful to "the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan."

In January, Pakistan's parliament passed amendments to the law strengthening the government's ability to prosecute online content creators for "defamation" of state institutions, including law enforcement agencies.

Zameer previously made headlines in 2021 when he was arrested for allegedly defrauding Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan, star of the popular TV series "Diriliş: Ertuğrul."