A Lahore sessions court on Thursday extended the interim pre-arrest bail of Aroob Jatoi — wife of well-known YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai — in a case related to the alleged promotion of online gambling applications.
The hearing was held before Additional District and Sessions Judge Dr Sajida Chaudhry, where Aroob appeared alongside her legal counsel as her previous bail term expired. The court granted an extension until November 6, 2025, and directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to submit an updated progress report before the next hearing.
The allegations
According to the investigation, Aroob Jatoi — along with several other influencers — is accused of promoting gambling and betting apps through social-media platforms. Authorities allege that these platforms lured users with fake investment opportunities and betting schemes, resulting in significant financial losses for the public.
The NCCIA filed the case earlier this year after tracing digital transactions and sponsorship deals that reportedly linked local influencers to the promotion of illegal online gaming services. Both Aroob and Ducky Bhai were issued notices to cooperate with investigators.
What happened in court
During Thursday’s proceedings, Aroob’s lawyer argued that she had been falsely implicated and that the case was based on “unverified digital evidence” collected without proper warrants. The defence also claimed that Aroob had fully cooperated with investigators and had not received any payments directly from gambling-related sources.
The court accepted the plea for bail extension and instructed the NCCIA to ensure that the investigation proceeds “transparently and without harassment.”
Public reaction
News of the case has stirred massive debate online. Ducky Bhai, who commands millions of followers, has not publicly commented on the ongoing legal proceedings, though his fans continue to trend hashtags in support of the couple. Critics, however, say the issue highlights a growing need for clearer regulations around influencer advertising and digital accountability in Pakistan.
What’s next
The case will be heard again after the submission of the investigation report next month. Depending on the NCCIA’s findings, the court will decide whether to confirm Aroob Jatoi’s pre-arrest bail or move toward formal charges.
