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April 05, 2026 – Pakistan/India –
A Pakistani social media personality sparked widespread condemnation after firing a handgun on a livestream and threatening an Indian sports journalist, in an incident that has reignited concerns over online harassment, digital safety, and cross‑border tensions among media professionals.
The incident occurred during a livestream broadcast by Usman Khalid, a controversial YouTuber known for provocative content. During the live session, Khalid loaded a firearm and fired a shot inside a room before directing verbal threats toward Ankit Sharma, an Indian sports journalist who covers the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The threat was captured on video and quickly circulated on social platforms, drawing criticism from journalists, commentators, and civil society observers in both countries.
In the video, Khalid can be seen brandishing the weapon and making aggressive remarks about Sharma’s reporting, which had included coverage of PSL matches and commentary on fan reactions. While the YouTuber did not name specific professional grievances, the exchange was widely interpreted as targeting Sharma in retaliation for perceived criticism, with the firearm display amplifying the severity of the threat.
The video provoked an immediate backlash. Journalists’ associations in Pakistan and India condemned the incident, warning that threats against media workers — particularly those involving weapons — undermine journalists’ ability to operate safely. Some commentators also expressed concern that such behaviour could incite copycat actions or escalate hostility between media communities across the border.
Pakistani police confirmed they had opened an investigation into the incident, noting that the public display of a firearm and the issuance of threats may violate local laws governing weapons and public safety. A spokesperson said authorities were reviewing the livestream footage and coordinating with social media platforms to identify any additional charges that could be brought against Khalid.
Sharma, the journalist named in the threat, responded by urging calm and emphasizing the importance of safety for all media professionals. He called on authorities in both countries to take the incident seriously and ensure that journalists can work without fear of violence or intimidation.
The episode has drawn attention to the broader issue of online harassment, where digital platforms can amplify threats and place journalists at risk far beyond traditional newsroom environments. Media safety advocates say the case highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to protect reporters from intimidation and to hold individuals accountable for using weapons or threats to target media professionals. As investigations continue, the incident remains a stark reminder of the dangers journalists may face — even from non‑state individuals — in an increasingly polarized digital landscape.
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