Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

ISLAMABAD—Journalist Sanaullah Khan has revealed that a financial crackdown targeting YouTubers has begun. Authorities are reportedly freezing not only their bank accounts but also those of their family members.

In a vlog posted on YouTube, Sanaullah disclosed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), working under the Ministry of Interior, has initiated the action against YouTubers in Pakistan and abroad. “Bank accounts belonging to YouTubers, their parents, siblings, children, and other relatives have been blocked,” he claimed.

Speaking to several affected YouTubers within Pakistan, Sanaullah confirmed that the account closures were not isolated incidents. Attempts to obtain a government version were made, he added. “I contacted Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, but he did not respond to my messages or calls.”

However, when Sanaullah approached Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, he denied any knowledge of such a crackdown, stating “not at all.”

Sanaullah further revealed that the accounts of prominent YouTubers such as Siddique Jan, Sami Ibrahim, and Asad Toor have already been closed. He also noted that bank accounts of Imran Riaz Khan and Sabir Shakir—currently residing outside Pakistan—have been sealed as well. “About a month ago, these individuals were served income notices and asked to provide their financial records,” he added.

YouTubers in Pakistan are reportedly planning to challenge the move in court. “They intend to file petitions in high courts, arguing that their YouTube income is legitimate and contributes to Pakistan’s foreign reserves,” Sanaullah said.

In a post on X, Sanaullah revealed that the pension account of Asad Toor’s 80-year-old mother has also been blocked.

Commenting on the development, senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticized the government for allegedly weaponizing state institutions such as the FIA and FBR against critics. “This arbitrary freezing of accounts is a form of collective punishment for journalists and their families,” he said. “The government expects foreign investment while allowing such measures, where accounts can be frozen without notice or hearing.”

Source:Reports