Pakistan: Reported kidnapped, YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa returns home safely confirm lawyers

Lahore [Pakistan]: YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa, who was reportedly abducted on August 15, has safely returned home, according to his lawyers on Monday, Dawn News reported.

High Court Orders
The Lahore High Court (LHC) had instructed the Lahore police to locate Khosa by August 20, following a petition filed by his wife, Binish Iqbal. She had expressed serious concerns for his safety, fearing he might be a victim of 'enforced disappearance.'

Unlawful Detention Alleged
In her petition, Iqbal described Khosa as a "digital content creator, writer, and respected comedian/artist with a substantial YouTube following of 137,000 subscribers." She detailed how, on August 15 at 2 a.m., a group of masked individuals and police officers forcibly entered their apartment, seizing various electronic devices.

Family's Plea for Help
On the same day, Ali Sher Khosa, Aun Ali's brother, alleged that the popular YouTuber had been kidnapped from his home. He took to social media, urging people to pray for his brother's safety and spread the word about his abduction.

HRCP Expresses Alarm
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also raised concerns about Khosa's abduction. They suggested that the incident might be connected to his satirical work and called for his immediate release.

Lawyer Confirms Safe Return
Late Monday night, Khosa's lawyer, Khadija Siddiqi, confirmed on social media that Aun Ali Khosa had been released and had safely returned home.

Pattern of Abductions Noted
Siddiqi highlighted a worrying trend in recent months, noting that several missing persons cases had been fought at the Lahore High Court. She described how victims are typically abducted in the dead of night by masked men carrying weapons.

Family Expresses Gratitude
Following Khosa's safe return, his brother expressed gratitude to journalist Hamid Mir for raising awareness about the case. He thanked the public for their support and prayers during the ordeal.

(With ANI inputs)