Team Neemopani
Popular Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, better known to millions as Ducky Bhai, faced another major legal setback when a Lahore court rejected his plea to regain control of his YouTube channel and mobile phones. On December 23 and 24, 2025, Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo dismissed his request for interim custody of these digital assets, declaring they will remain in official control for now.
Ducky Bhai was arrested in August 2025 as part of a high-profile investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), accused of promoting illegal gambling mobile apps; an offence that has generated fierce public debate.
After months in custody, the Lahore High Court granted him bail on November 24, but his legal battle over his digital assets continued.
In his rejected application, Ducky Bhai argued that he should be allowed to use his mobile phones and YouTube account so he can continue creating content, earn revenue and regain his online presence. But the court refused the request, saying all devices and accounts are still part of the ongoing investigation and cannot be released yet.
Associated Press of Pakistan
Instead, the court allowed the return of 19 personal items seized during a search; including his bank cards, identity cards, a laptop bag, and a GoPro camera.
While that may sound like a partial victory, many fans and critics see this as a hollow consolation especially because the core assets that define his digital identity and income remain blocked.
This decision has triggered heated debate online, with some people praising the court’s strict stance on alleged digital crimes, and others accusing authorities of targeting a creative voice unfairly.
The rejection of Ducky Bhai’s plea has ignited controversy far beyond courtroom walls. This isn’t just about a famous YouTuber losing access to his channel; it’s about freedom of online expression, digital rights, and the growing power of state agencies over creators.
Abuse of Power
Many viewers and supporters argue that Ducky Bhai is being unjustly punished and that the state is overreaching into the digital world. Social media comments and reactions suggest a sense of outrage:
Supporters say he has been creating entertainment content for eight years and should not be stripped of his livelihood.
Others claim that the refusal to return his channel even on interim custody is disproportionate, especially after he was granted bail.
Associated Press of Pakistan
In a vlog after his release, Ducky Bhai himself said he’s lost the ability to earn anything from his YouTube content because his AdSense revenue access is blocked. He later revealed that he now only has limited editor privileges and cannot view or control revenue details of his own channel.
The Current
This has sparked outrage among many of his followers, who believe that a creative professional is being punished beyond reason, simply because their digital platform is tied to a criminal probe. Some have even accused authorities of digital censorship under the guise of law enforcement.
Supporters of the Court’s Decision
On the flip side, supporters of the court’s ruling argue that digital influencers have massive reach and responsibility. The magistrate reportedly noted that uploading content from an account that is part of a probe could allow evidence tampering or data loss.
Law enforcement has maintained that they must secure all electronic devices and accounts as evidence, especially in cases involving alleged promotion of illegal gambling apps; a crime seen by many officials as not only unlawful, but socially harmful. Critics of influencers promoting such services say this reflects a new era of accountability for creators who operate without legal restraint.
Freedom vs. Responsibility
This case has turned into a lightning rod for a broader debate:
Should online creators be treated like ordinary citizens with digital rights? Or should they be held to higher standards and face stricter legal control because of their influence?
Pakistan’s digital space is growing rapidly, and Ducky Bhai’s case highlights major gaps in laws and protections for creators. No clear rules exist for how long digital assets can be withheld during investigations. Courts are now forced to balance public safety and individual rights in new digital contexts. Creators fear that this sets a dangerous precedent where agencies can seize channels and phones without clear timelines for return.
The court’s decision also comes amid revelations that Ducky Bhai was asked to submit detailed affidavits about his social media access and income, suggesting authorities are not just interested in criminal charges, but also the financial ecosystem of online personalities.
What Comes Next?
Even after this rejection, the case is far from over. Other proceedings related to his supardari plea (a bail-type request for asset release) were adjourned as prosecutors seek to present final arguments.
Meanwhile, Ducky Bhai continues to post videos through limited access accounts and updates his followers about his legal and personal struggles. With millions of subscribers watching every move, this legal battle may become one of the most watched digital rights cases in Pakistan’s history.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love him or hate him, Ducky Bhai’s struggle resonates with a generation of creators who see their online lives as both identity and income. When courts can take away access to phones and channels indefinitely, many worry about what comes next for digital freedoms.
The controversy around this case isn’t going away and it might reshape how courts, law enforcement and content creators negotiate power in the digital age. What do you think? Is this a fair enforcement of law or a dangerous precedent that threatens creative freedom?
Visit Neemopani for more articles like this!
