'Bill Bill Pakistan' singer abducted by unknown men in Lahore; Pakistanis slam Govt amid ISI hand speculation
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Aug 16, 2024, 3:12 PM ISTRenowned YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa, known for his satirical song "Bill Bill Pakistan," has reportedly been abducted from his Lahore apartment by unidentified armed men.
In a shocking turn of events, renowned YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa, known for his satirical song "Bill Bill Pakistan," has reportedly been abducted from his Lahore apartment by unidentified armed men. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and speculation, with many on social media suggesting potential involvement by the Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Aun Ali Khosa, who gained prominence for his critical and humorous take on Pakistan’s political and economic issues, had recently gained significant attention for his song "Bill Bill Pakistan." This satirical piece, which addresses the high electricity bills in Pakistan through a parody of the iconic "Dil Dil Pakistan," quickly garnered nearly 100,000 views on YouTube within hours of its release.
This video has been deleted from Aun Ali Khosa's YouTube channel following his abduction and enforced disappearance by masked men in a night raid. is a comedian and content creator known for his biting satire, critical of the policies of the illegitimate regime in… pic.twitter.com/rQjyMbNBUZ
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA)Latest Videos
According to Khosa’s brother, Ali Sher Khosa, Aun was allegedly abducted by 'unknown armed men' on the night of August 14-15. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Sher Khosa urged users to share the news widely and pray for his brother’s safe return, emphasizing the situation's gravity for their family.
"AOA everyone, today in the middle of the night my Brother @aun_khosa has been taken into custody by some unknown armed men from his Flat in Lahore. Kindly pray for him. Do spread the word as it will mean a lot to our Family. #releaseAunAliKhosa," he wrote.
AOA everyone, today in the middle of the night my Brother has been taken into custody by some unknown armed men from his Flat in Lahore. Kindly pray for him. Do spread the word as it will mean a lot to our Family pic.twitter.com/tBaIPTOa48
— Ali Sher Khosa (@SheruzWorld)The alleged disappearance of Aun Ali Khosa has ignited a firestorm on social media, with numerous users expressing shock and concern. Many believe that his reported abduction is linked to his satirical critique of the current government, sparking debates about freedom of expression in Pakistan. Social media user Imran Afzal Raja criticized those offended by Khosa's humour, suggesting that relocating rather than resorting to such extreme measures would be more appropriate.
Adding fuel to the fire, some social media commentators have speculated that the ISI might be involved in the abduction, although there is no official confirmation of such claims. The speculation has led to increased scrutiny of the situation and heightened public concern over the safety of artists and content creators in Pakistan.
Reportedly this Pakistani youtuber has been abducted by ISI for singing this song. This song needs to go viral. SHARE pic.twitter.com/jSEdZ1w9It
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)The official Twitter account of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) condemned the abduction, calling it a threat to Pakistan’s moral values and democracy. The PTI demanded the immediate release of Aun Khosa and other missing persons, labeling the act as both unacceptable and illegal.
In response to the outcry, Khosa's brother provided an update on Friday, announcing that the Lahore High Court has issued production orders for Aun Ali Khosa. The court has directed the City Police Officer (CCPO) to present Khosa by Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The family has expressed full confidence in the judicial process and extended gratitude to those supporting their cause.
Today, the Lahore High Court issued production orders for , directing the CCPO to produce him on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. We have full trust in our courts. Special thanks to , , and for their cooperation.
— Ali Sher Khosa (@SheruzWorld)Internationally acclaimed poet Noshi Gilani also voiced her concern, highlighting the seriousness of Khosa’s alleged disappearance. The incident has raised critical questions about the state of freedom of expression in Pakistan and the potential risks faced by those who dare to critique the establishment.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on X in the wake of Khosa's alleged abduction:
Sach acha nahi laga shayad ISI walon ko
— Ranger-X27 (@Ranger_X27)Hope so fund pak... oh well, we Indians know "You,Es,A" says India is partner country/ ally country 😆 https://t.co/9SzeN340NY
— ligaya (@Ligaya_BHARAT)An other patriotic Pakistani 🇵🇰 YouTuber has been abducted last night by unknown (may be ISI) armed personals from Lahore because of his recent video song “bill bill Pakistan”.
Keep posting for him to support his family and stay strong 💪
isi and police took him away
— linux code66 (@kalakawa0300)The fascism in Pakistan needs to be stopped!
— Hifza🇵🇰🇨🇦 (@AndPakistani)This is extremely concerning! Hoping for his safe return. One of my favorite content creators from Pakistan.
Definite example of small men in big offices! If this is offending them, pir tho lagta kuch ziyada hei patlay hilat chal raha hai boys ka..
It has become an undeniable crime to simply live & breathe in 🇵🇰. Speaking truth is no longer just dangerous; it’s a gamble with your life. In fascist times, showing kindness or embodying harmless fun doesn’t just make you a target it places you directly on hit list of ⚫️ Vigos. https://t.co/giI11grWQx pic.twitter.com/NFgwOfyTWz
— Namkeen Chai نمکین چائے (@enigmaakh)Dears, - were you aware about 's abduction? This is not the way things should happen. Apko investment ki kasam. https://t.co/bHwsgGCmnn
— طاہر اکرم (@tahirakram)First they took away the internet
Now they’re after performance art!
Our country has become a joke! https://t.co/GlP7rwCQlj
Another Forced Disappearance !
Pity the Nation https://t.co/rIqV1goxIA
He just got arrested because of a funny video?? This is extremely horrifying you got arrested because you are a creator, you made people laugh?
Shameful and disgusting. https://t.co/qnr4UOmd6T
🚨The series of forced abductions continues under the undeclared martial law of Occupied .
Social media activists are being illegaly abducted & tortured.
… https://t.co/4tPoKoKIpI
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