Man arrested for creating derogatory AI videos of CM Maryam, Emirati President

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a suspect involved in creating offensive AI-generated videos targeting Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and UAE President Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. The arrest follows an investigation into the circulation of such doctored videos.

CM Maryam’s handshake with Emirati President during his recent visit to Pakistan sparked a controversy, with AI-generated videos circulating on X from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters' accounts.

A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the accused, identified as Bilal Hussain, a resident of Khokhar Town, Lahore.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Bilal Hussain had shared AI-generated derogatory content on Facebook, targeting foreign dignitaries and Pakistani government officials.

The FIA stated that such content could harm Pakistan’s relations with friendly Islamic countries and pose a threat to national interests.

The accused was charged under Sections 20, 21, and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. These charges include spreading malicious content and cyberstalking, which involve using information system to harass individuals.

The FIR was registered on January 10. The FIA recovered the Facebook account and mobile phone used to post the offensive content.

Bilal Hussain will be presented in court for physical remand. Meanwhile, efforts to identify other social media accounts involved in the case are ongoing, and further legal action is being pursued.

The controversy began when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially welcomed the UAE President on January 5 in Rahim Yar Khan, with CM Maryam Nawaz also present to greet the distinguished guest.

During the meeting, CM Maryam warmly greeted Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a handshake, which quickly went viral on social media, attracting widespread criticism from PTI supporters.