Pakistan

'Social media sensation' Nasir Khanjan granted bail, case referred to FIA

Khanjan was arrested after a citizen lodged complaint that he had posted videos contrary to Pashtun values

Izhar Ullah February 11, 2017

Nasir Khanjan was arrested after a citizen lodged complaint that he had posted videos contrary to Pashtun values. PHOTO: facebook.com/Nasirkhanjan

PESHAWAR: Self-proclaimed social media sensation Nasir Khanjan was on Saturday granted bail by a lower court in Lower Dir, with his case referred to the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Khanjan was taken into custody by police under Section 107 of Pakistan Penal Code after a citizen lodged complaint that the former was making and posting videos, which he said, were against Pashtun values.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Timergara DSP Fakhre Alam said the complaint was received through the Chief Minister’s Complaint cell in Peshawar and was referred to Timergara police.

Since the case does not fall in the domain of the police, it has been forwarded back to the Cyber Crime Wing, the officer added.

Nasir Khanjan: The rise of a social media sensation

Reacting to his arrest, Khanjan said, "I never posted anything vulgar nor have hurt sentiments of anyone including Pashtuns, adding that police misbehaved with him and directed to shut his Facebook page or use it for posting "Islamic and decent stuff".

Khanjan also lamented that the police had arrested him from his house without detailing reasons and was handcuffed in the police station. He also denied allegations that he had posted anything against the Pashtun cultural norms and values.

Social media backlash: Journalist attacked, injured

"I appeared before a local court and was granted bail against personal surety bonds of three of my relatives," he added.

However, the DSP said, "We treated Khanjan under Section 107 of PPC which deals with cases of instigating others to do an act which can harm others. No police official has used any abusive words for him during the entire legal process."

Khanjan created a Facebook page last year which has now over 0.1 million followers where he posts material ranging from humorous clips, health tips and well as songs of famous artists in his voice.

In December last year, Khanjan was reportedly attacked by local villagers averse to his social media presence.

COMMENTS (13)

D Kamal | 7 years ago | Reply My personal opinion is that OK the videos for me personally are of no interest. But that should not mean if you don't like the videos you should file an FIR the person who filed the FIR should be charged with wasting police time. Just don't go on his page. Personally now I support him because a grave injustice has happened to him and it would be shameful to sit idle. Let him do what he wants to do it is his life. He hasn't done anything wrong he is just trying to get fans. As a Pakistani I feel ashamed when society completely thinks they have the moral authority to judge someone and to make a criminal out of an innocent person. Why are the mullah types on Facebook in the first place should they not be in the masjid or something why are they watching his videos if they are so offended. It's absurd to even imagine that one person can bring a criminal cases against someone on such spurious accusations. Are they the standard bearers of their culture and who made them the leader and moral epotimy of Pushtoon or any other cultures for that matter?

Umar | 7 years ago | Reply His only crime was that he challenged patriarchy. Men complained because they couldn't stand to see one of their own act effeminate.

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kemosabe | 7 years ago | Reply Qandeel Baloch still is or was the real deal, but this dude is ok by my books.

Hasan Abbas | 7 years ago | Reply Because of Cyber Crime Law,I have closed my FaceBook account. Besides, Bloggers and persons like Khnajan have been tortured for airing their views. Like Blasphemy law, CCL will be used to torment liberal section of the society. As Pakistan is a theocracy, Free Speech is not possible.

Ali S | 7 years ago | Reply Molesting little boys and keeping women locked up isn't against Pashtun culture, but an effeminate guy making harmless silly videos is. Such a weak culture has no place in today's society. I really hope this poor fella doesn't become the next Qandeel Baloch.

Khan | 7 years ago | Reply Well, what Khanjan posted was not against Pashtun values but against the ultra rightist views of The Thehreek-e-Insaaf Party. Pashtuns desperately need liberals like Khanjan. After his arrest he would emerge as a a hero and an international icon.

ZAHEER | 7 years ago | Reply The world has become a global village and the introduction of social media is quite helpful in developing ties with the people across the world but unfortunately in our country the use of this forum is being used by some people who does not know the ethics and the culture of our homeland as a result everyday the news published in our national dailies and aired on our electronic media highlights some controversial issues. Khanjan case is not the first one, there is a dire need to educate the people about the issues to be discussed on social media and avoid to discuss religion, culture, hate, extremism and abusive language. The social media is only to make people close to create friendly environment, discuss problems so a solution can be done and the people come forward to help you e.g health issues. On the other hand the people using social media should also be tolerant and not make non-issues to an issue, as we have witnessed many times that everyone become the champion of his tribe, clan or the community and do not understand in which context what has been written.

Careless Whisper | 7 years ago | Reply Leave the poor guy alone, he is not harming anyone by posting on FB,

ashar | 7 years ago | Reply the pics that returns on google against his name are vulgar and offensive. What more we want to stop him.

Jigardaar | 7 years ago | Reply This kid needs to leave that soul sucking dark dungeon

zakhta | 7 years ago | Reply His posts are just for fun. Anyone getting offended has his own insecurities for which he should seek solution by himself instead of reporting them to police. May Allah save Pakistan from religious and sectarian extremism and violence.

Avinash | 7 years ago | Reply Although I find his posts very disturbing, they're in no way offensive to anyone and even if they were offensive to the pashtun values, that does not mean they can arrest him. He has his own kind of humor. People who don't like it can ignore his page.

Nauman | 7 years ago | Reply He is not doing anything vulgural or sexual on social media ....so let him do what he wants to do .

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