Sajid Nawaz, a man who went viral on social media for speaking out against the poor rain management by the Punjab government in Lahore, has been released. He was arrested by Lahore’s Green Town police but was later discharged by the Model Town Kacheri after massive support and pressure from the public on social media.
The video in which Nawaz criticised the government’s response to heavy rains in Lahore was widely shared online. His arrest led to strong reactions from journalists, activists, and citizens who saw it as a violation of free speech. Many people demanded his immediate release, which eventually led to his case being dropped.
Following his arrest, some journalists, including Asad Toor, claimed on social media that Sajid Nawaz was also fired from his job at a well-known beverage company. This sparked anger online, with users calling for a boycott of Qarshi Industries, the company believed to be his employer. However, Qarshi Industries has not issued any official statement on the matter. Nawaz’s family has also not confirmed whether he was fired.
The incident has raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and how authorities and companies respond to public criticism. Many believe that ordinary citizens should be allowed to voice their opinions without the fear of arrest or job loss.
Social media played a major role in this case, showing once again how powerful public support can be in holding authorities accountable.
