Scotland Yard detained Gulfam Hussain Kayani, a supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on allegations of making threats against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former premier Nawaz Sharif, and other members of the Sharif family during a live TikTok broadcast.
Kayani allegedly threatened to attack the Avenfield apartments and expressed intentions to “drag” members of the Sharif family through the streets of London. His threats extended to avenging PTI founder Imran Khan should he face harm in Pakistan. Additionally, Kayani has been vocal in his criticism of Pakistan’s military leadership.
Authorities arrested Kayani late Friday night at the gates of the Avenfield apartments, shortly after Khan was convicted in a £190 million case. During his arrest, Kayani actively engaged with his followers on TikTok. Scotland Yard sources confirmed that the arrest followed the issuance of warrants approximately a week earlier.
The police action was prompted by a complaint from Khurram Butt, leader of the UK Youth Wing of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Butt, who had also campaigned against Khan’s bid to become Chancellor of Oxford University, submitted numerous videos to the authorities. “I passed nearly a dozen Urdu videos to the police where Gulfam Kayani was seen issuing threats and inciting violence. While peaceful protests are permissible, issuing threats crosses a line,” Butt explained.
Previously a staunch PML-N supporter, Kayani switched allegiances to PTI four months ago, becoming an active voice for the party on social media. He left his job as a trained chef to produce live shows on TikTok.
At this time, Kayani is unreachable for comments as his phone remains unavailable, and associates of Kayani have denied his involvement in any unlawful activities.
