Lahore High Court Orders Police to Locate Missing YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa by August 20

The Lahore High Court has directed police to locate YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa, allegedly abducted by unknown armed men, by August 20. The petition, filed by his wife, claims he is in the illegal custody of law enforcement. The incident has raised concerns about enforced disappearance.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a directive on Friday instructing the police to locate missing YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa by August 20. Khosa was reportedly taken into custody by unknown armed men on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, according to Dawn.

A petition filed by his wife, Binish Iqbal, claims that Khosa is in the 'unlawful and illegal custody of law enforcement authorities.' It notes that his whereabouts are unknown, expressing concerns for his safety and fearing he may be a victim of enforced disappearance.

Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, who heard the petition, ordered Lahore's capital city police officer (CCPO) to produce the 'abducted' artist in court on August 20. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore, Faisal Kamran, mentioned that the police had not received any complaints regarding Khosa's abduction but would investigate once a formal complaint is lodged, Dawn reported.

The petition describes Khosa as a digital content creator with 137,000 YouTube subscribers. It alleges that a dozen police officers and masked men forcibly entered Khosa's apartment, seizing his phone, laptop, computer system, and digital camera. The solicitor who attempted to follow them was allegedly manhandled before the men drove away in a Fortuner and a Black Revo double-cabin vehicle.

Further, the solicitor's queries about the reasoning behind Khosa's detention went unanswered. On August 15, Khosa's brother, Ali Sher Khosa, confirmed the incident took place at his Lahore apartment and urged for prayers and awareness for Aun's safe return.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm over the alleged abduction, voicing concerns that it might be related to Khosa's satirical work and calling for his immediate recovery. (ANI)