In an unexpected twist in Pakistan’s digital media scene, renowned YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, achieved a major milestone by crossing 9 million subscribers on YouTube — all while being held in judicial custody.
Ducky Bhai, one of Pakistan’s most followed digital creators, found himself at the center of controversy in August 2025 when he was arrested at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. He was reportedly attempting to travel abroad when authorities detained him. The arrest was made under charges related to promoting unlicensed gambling and betting applications on his YouTube channel — platforms that are banned in Pakistan. His name was allegedly flagged on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), which bars individuals from leaving the country due to ongoing investigations.
According to reports, a formal FIR (First Information Report) was registered against him, accusing him of endorsing platforms that could mislead or financially harm the public, especially the youth. Following his arrest, he was first placed on physical remand, and later shifted to judicial remand as investigations continued.
Despite the legal troubles, Ducky Bhai’s online presence saw an unexpected surge. While he remained silent due to his incarceration, his YouTube channel continued to gain thousands of new subscribers. Within days, he crossed the 9 million mark, a rare achievement for any Pakistani content creator — and even more striking considering his offline status.
This surge has sparked widespread discussion online. Some see it as a reflection of Ducky Bhai’s loyal fan base, who view the charges as exaggerated or politically motivated. Others believe that the intense media coverage and public curiosity drove people to his channel, contributing to the subscriber spike. Either way, it’s clear that his name — whether in controversy or content — remains one of the most recognized in Pakistan’s YouTube landscape.
Critics, however, are not impressed. They argue that such influence comes with responsibility, and that promoting any gambling or financial schemes without proper disclaimers or legality is unethical — especially for a figure with a young, impressionable audience. The case has also raised questions about digital regulation in Pakistan, and whether enough is being done to hold influencers accountable for the brands and platforms they promote.
Ducky Bhai, known for his roast videos, vlogs, and sharp commentary, has often been at the center of online feuds and viral moments. But this episode marks a different kind of spotlight — one that combines legal accountability with digital celebrity status.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on both the court’s next steps and Ducky Bhai’s potential public response once he’s released. Will he address the controversy? Will this impact his future collaborations or content direction? Time will tell.
For now, Ducky Bhai holds the unique distinction of becoming Pakistan’s first YouTuber to hit 9 million subscribers from behind bars — a headline that reflects the strange intersection of fame, controversy, and digital culture in 2025.
