Pakistani man drowns while filming TikTok video
A 25-year-old Pakistani man drowned in the Jhelum river in Punjab province while shooting a video for TikTok, according to a media report on Monday. The deceased, Sheikh Ali, and his friend had decided to jump into the river from a spot in Nekokara, Punjab province, on Sunday, while a third friend would shoot their acrobatic act, according to the Dawn newspaper.
Several youths have died filming dangerous videos for TikTok
However, the incident quickly turned tragic when Ali was unable to come out of the water. Rescue divers are yet to recover his body, the Daily Times newspaper reported. Ali's friend, who also dived into the river, is safe. TikTok, a video-sharing social networking service, is popular in Pakistan. However, scores of youths have died so far filming various dangerous videos.
Pakistan government had banned TikTok last year
Last week, a 19-year-old boy died as he was filming a clip that required putting a gun to his head and pulling the trigger. The incident which occurred in Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province attracted widespread condemnation from social media. In October last year, the Pakistan government banned TikTok citing "obscene" and "indecent" content.
However, the decision was later reversed
The ban was reversed later in the month after assurances from the company that they will block all accounts repeatedly involved in spreading obscenity and immorality, in accordance with local laws. "Immoral" content according to the government's definition includes nudity, blasphemy, and obscenities. In India, TikTok was banned completely on June 29, 2020, along with several other Chinese apps.