On August 21, 2025, Bilal Maqsood, creator of the Pakistani puppet show Pakkay Dost, announced that the show’s YouTube channel was hacked and is under unauthorised control. Maqsood, a renowned singer, shared the news on social media, urging fans to avoid interacting with the channel until it is secured.
Maqsood wrote, “Our Pakkay Dost YouTube channel has been hacked and is currently under someone else’s control.” He reassured followers that his team is working with Google and YouTube to recover the account, stating, “Please do not click on any new videos or links from the channel until we confirm it’s safe.” Maqsood also requested fans’ support, adding, “Pray for its recovery.”
Our Pakkay Dost YouTube channel has been hacked and is currently under someone else’s control. We are already in touch with Google/YouTube and working to recover. Please do not click on any new videos or links from the channel until we confirm it’s safe. And pray for its recovery
— Bilal Maqsood (@bilalxmaqsood) August 21, 2025Launched in 2023, Pakkay Dost has gained widespread acclaim for its engaging visuals and narratives, promoting the Urdu language and life lessons for children. The show’s second volume of nursery rhymes, released in July 2025, received praise from actor Sajal Ali, who commended Maqsood’s efforts to revive Urdu among youth. Parents have lauded the show, with Instagram comments noting, “My kids adore Pakkay Dost,” and praising its role in teaching Urdu to new generations.
In January 2025, Maqsood partnered with ConnectHear to integrate sign language interpretation, making Pakkay Dost accessible to the hearing-impaired community. “This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive,” Maqsood said, emphasising the show’s mission to bring joy and cultural enrichment to all children.
The hacking incident threatens Pakkay Dost’s growing legacy, but Maqsood’s proactive response and collaboration with YouTube aim to restore the channel swiftly. Fans are urged to stay vigilant and await official updates, as the team works to safeguard the platform that has inspired millions.
