When Ducky Bhai was arrested for promoting gambling apps, many voices raised concern — and rightfully so. On one hand, I believe strongly that social-media influencers must not recommend gambling apps as easy money. On the other hand, I think the legal crackdown should be fair and equal.
✅ Why I Support Holding Influencers Accountable
• Social Media Influence = Real Responsibility
In 2025, online gambling apps were declared illegal in Pakistan. The News International+2ProPakistani+2 The problem is, many influencers — with huge followings, including many young, impressionable viewers — promoted these apps as if they were harmless “opportunities.” According to investigators, some apps framed themselves as legit investment platforms while functioning more like high-risk betting games. Digital Rights Monitor+2Dawn+2
That’s dangerous, especially in a country where financial literacy is limited, and many people — including youth — are vulnerable to promises of “quick money.” When someone with thousands or millions of followers pushes such apps, the risk isn’t just individual losses — it becomes a social issue.
• Real Damage: Financial Loss, Addiction & Mental Health Toll
Recent reports describe online “money games” as causing serious harm: financial ruin, addiction, and even psychological distress. Some young people reportedly lost life savings or faced intense pressure after heavy losses. Dawn+2The Express Tribune+2
Given this backdrop, it’s understandable that authorities acting against promoters like Ducky Bhai could be seen as necessary protection for vulnerable citizens.
⚠️ But — The Enforcement Must Be Fair & Consistent
Still, I see two major issues when holding only one influencer responsible:
1. Selective Targeting — Why Only Some Influencers Are Being Prosecuted
Many social-media personalities reportedly promoted these same apps. ProPakistani+2Digital Rights Monitor+2 If law enforcement picks only a few and leaves others free — that feels unfair.
In a functioning justice system, “law must be for everyone”, not just for one name. Selective enforcement damages public trust.
2. Heavy-handed Tone + Lack of Transparent Process
While it’s important to discourage irresponsible promotion, public prosecutions should balance accountability with fairness. Some critics argue that influencers are being used as “scapegoats” while larger sponsors or networks go unnoticed. Stories mention multiple influencers under scrutiny beyond Ducky — so singling him out while others continue unchecked seems problematic. Digital Rights Monitor+2Gulf News+2
📉 The Broader Impact: What This Means for Young Followers & Pakistani Society
- Youth Psyche & False Hopes: When famous influencers endorse gambling apps, many youth may see “easy money” as a real possibility — fueling greed, risk-taking, and unrealistic expectations. When losses come, it may hit hard emotionally and financially.
- Economic & Social Fallout: With dozens of gambling/trading apps banned recently by authorities, the damage isn’t just individual. Unregulated money flowing out through these apps has been flagged as a threat to national economic stability. The Express Tribune+2Digital Rights Monitor+2
- Trust Erosion in Digital Media: If fans lose money or get misled because of influencer promotions, the trust between audiences and online creators erodes — making constructive or positive content harder to swallow for younger viewers.
🧩 What This Case Shows: Bigger Than Just One Influencer
The Ducky Bhai episode is just a symptom of a broader problem: the unregulated promotion of high-risk gambling/trading as “opportunities” under the cover of entertainment.
- Billions of rupees reportedly flow out of Pakistan monthly through these illegal gambling/trading apps that target the youth. ProPakistani+2Digital Rights Monitor+2
- Many of these apps were recently declared illegal by National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) — 46 apps in total — and authorities have urged people to avoid them. The News International+1
- The case highlights how social media, when unchecked, can quickly turn from platform to trap.
💡 My Conclusion: Accountability — Yes. Fairness & Consistency — Also Must.
I believe Ducky Bhai’s arrest sends a signal: promoting illegal gambling on social media has consequences. That message is important and necessary.
But I also believe that only targeting a few influencers while others go free undermines justice. If law enforcement wants to curb this trend, action must be consistent, transparent, and broad — not selective.
Until then, this crackdown risks being seen more as “punishing a name” than “protecting the public.”
Instead of only penalizing individuals, we need systemic solutions:
- Better regulation of digital promotions
- Public awareness campaigns about gambling risks
- Financial-literacy education for youth
- Consistent enforcement across all influencers and platforms
Because protecting youth and society from scams is important — but so is fairness and justice for everyone. ⚖️
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