Who Is Orya Maqbool Jan? Controversial YouTuber and Former Bureaucrat Arrested in Lahore

Orya Maqbool Jan, a prominent Pakistani playwright, poet, columnist, and former civil servant, was arrested in Lahore on August 22 by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing. The 72-year-old YouTuber, who has over one million subscribers, is known for his outspoken criticism of the Pakistan Army and its political influence. He faces allegations of inciting religious hatred and defaming state institutions, particularly the military.

Jan’s arrest follows a raid on his Lahore residence, and he has been placed in FIA custody for four days. His legal troubles are not new; he was previously detained by intelligence agencies for his vocal support of former prime minister Imran Khan and criticism of the military. Jan has a controversial history, having been proposed as a candidate for Punjab caretaker chief minister by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2018—a suggestion that was quickly retracted amid public backlash.

Jan’s criticism extends beyond the military; his remarks about the Ahmadiyya and Jewish communities led to the rejection of his visa application to Norway in 2018. He has also been banned from television by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for making derogatory comments about Pakhtuns and for his positive portrayal of the Taliban during his tenure as deputy commissioner in Balochistan.

Jan’s recent arrest is linked to social media posts related to the Mubarak Sani case, where the Supreme Court overturned a conviction under the Punjab Holy Quran (Printing and Recording) Act. His lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, claims the charges are baseless, but the case has reignited debate over Jan’s controversial public persona.