Hackers have taken control of the official YouTube channel of Pakistani puppet show Pakkay Dost, a children’s program created by singer and composer Bilal Maqsood. In a social media post on Thursday, Bilal confirmed the breach, stating that the account was no longer under his team’s control. He assured viewers that immediate steps were being taken in collaboration with Google and YouTube to recover access to the channel. Urging caution, he advised fans not to interact with any new uploads or links that may appear on the compromised account until official confirmation of its restoration.
Launched in 2023, Pakkay Dost quickly became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its engaging storytelling, colorful visuals, and commitment to promoting Urdu among children. The show blends entertainment with life lessons, using puppetry and music to encourage learning in a playful way. Just last month, Bilal released a second volume of nursery rhymes on the channel, expanding its content library. The series has received significant acclaim, with both celebrities and parents expressing admiration for its impact. Actor Sajal Ali publicly endorsed the project, applauding Bilal for reviving appreciation for Urdu. “Urdu is a beautiful language and it’s high time we stop running away from it,” she wrote, celebrating how the show reintroduced the language to younger audiences.
Parents have also voiced their appreciation, sharing how the show has encouraged their children to embrace Urdu. One Instagram comment noted how a child who previously avoided speaking Urdu had begun singing “Pani hay bachana,” a nursery rhyme from the show. Another parent described Pakkay Dost as a “wonderful initiative to promote Urdu language for the new generation,” reflecting the widespread enthusiasm the program has generated. Beyond entertainment, the project has positioned itself as an important cultural resource, reconnecting children with language, heritage, and shared values.
In January, Bilal partnered with ConnectHear to integrate sign language interpretation into Pakkay Dost, making it more inclusive for the hearing-impaired community. At the time, he emphasized that the collaboration was part of the show’s mission to bring joy, learning, and cultural enrichment to all children. “Our mission is to create a brighter childhood for every child,” Bilal said, noting the importance of accessibility in reaching wider audiences. The partnership was seen as a progressive move that expanded the show’s impact, reinforcing its role as a pioneering effort in children’s entertainment in Pakistan.
With the latest cyberattack, Bilal has appealed for patience and support from fans as the recovery process continues. He asked followers to “pray for its recovery,” highlighting the emotional and cultural significance of the show. For many families, Pakkay Dost has become more than just a series of puppet performances—it is a valuable initiative that has sparked a renewed love for the Urdu language and created educational entertainment that resonates across households. The hacking incident has therefore raised concerns not only about cybersecurity threats faced by creators but also about the risks of disruption to digital platforms that serve as vital cultural spaces.
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