The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) issued summons to four more prominent Pakistani social media influencers; Iqra Kanwal, Mudassar Hassan, Muhammad Anas Ali, and Muhammad Husnain Shah. Authorities accuse them of promoting illegal online gambling and unlicensed trading platforms, luring thousands of young Pakistanis into risky financial schemes. The influencers must appear at the NCCIA’s Lahore office on September 2, 2025, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

A Growing Digital Threat

The NCCIA’s probe centers on the influencers’ alleged role in marketing illicit platforms, particularly the controversial “World 777” betting app. According to authorities, these platforms operate without regulatory oversight, encouraging youth to invest in high-risk gambling activities. For instance, World 777 reportedly funded aggressive influencer campaigns, creating a shadow economy worth billions of rupees. The agency claims these apps not only promote illegal gambling but also harvest users’ personal data, posing serious privacy risks.

Moreover, the influencers allegedly glamorized these platforms, using their large followings to legitimize unregulated betting. This has drawn thousands of unsuspecting users, especially young people, into schemes that often lead to financial ruin. The NCCIA warns that such activities violate Pakistan’s strict cybercrime laws, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and could result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

High-Profile Names

Iqra Kanwal, known for her “Sistrology” YouTube channel, is among the most prominent figures summoned. Alongside her, Mudassar Hassan, Muhammad Anas Ali, and Muhammad Husnain Shah face accusations of orchestrating coordinated campaigns to defraud the public. Additionally, other celebrities like TV host Mathira, comedian Nadir Ali, and influencers Aimen Zaman, Varda Malik, and Javeria Aurangzeb have come under scrutiny for similar promotions. The NCCIA’s crackdown follows the recent arrest of YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, aka Ducky Bhai, who reportedly earned up to Rs 5.5 million per campaign for promoting betting apps. His detention at Lahore’s airport on August 17, 2025, sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s influencer community.

The agency has already banned 46 apps, including World 777, 1xBet, Bet365, and Aviator Game, for facilitating illegal gambling and data breaches. Consequently, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is working to block these platforms nationwide. The NCCIA emphasizes that ignoring the summons could be interpreted as an admission of guilt, escalating legal consequences for the influencers.