Video: Meet the ‘Pakman’, Dubai Police’s Gaming Ambassador

Dubai: A Pakistani-Canadian influencer has recently taken on the role as the first Gaming Ambassador for Dubai Police.

With over 20 years of gaming experience, a digital footprint spanning 1.5 million followers, and a mission to promote positivity and safety in the gaming community, Taha Khokhar, widely known as ‘Pakman’, shares his journey in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.

Interestingly, I didn’t apply for the role. I was approached because of my active involvement in the gaming content industry. It’s an honour to be recognised for the work I’ve been doing over the years.

The role is about spreading positivity, sharing insights on gaming tournaments, and fostering engaging communities. It’s also about making tournaments not just competitive but also fun and exciting for everyone involved.

Positivity in gaming culture and raising awareness about online safety are key values we share. Together, we aim to create a secure and enjoyable environment for gamers and content creators alike.

I specialise in Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Counter-Strike 2. I’ve been gaming for over 20 years and have more than 13 years of experience in content creation. Over the years, I’ve also placed in the top three in multiple international Call of Duty tournaments.

I plan to organise fun and exciting tournaments that encourage participation and foster a sense of community. These events will be designed to make people genuinely excited to attend and be a part of the gaming scene.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are essential for spreading messages about online safety and responsible gaming. These platforms allow us to reach diverse audiences effectively.

I’ve had the opportunity to participate as an MC, host, and player in various gaming events. These experiences have allowed me to engage with audiences, showcase my skills, and contribute to the growth of the gaming community.

The key is to make people laugh and provide a momentary escape from life’s challenges. Humour and positivity are central to my content creation approach.

Dubai Police already excels in promoting community engagement through esports tournaments, cycling events, and runs. I aim to build on these initiatives by adding a unique gaming perspective.

The UAE’s investment in creators, from general content creation to gaming-specific initiatives, makes it a magnet for talent. The opportunities here inspire creators to move and grow their careers.

In my role with Dubai Police, I promote “good gaming” by creating entertaining content that also delivers positive messages. My focus is on producing comedic and light-hearted material that fosters joy and a welcoming atmosphere for my audience. I encourage viewers to express gratitude with “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah) and highlight the importance of spreading happiness, which not only enhances positivity in gaming but also reminds gamers to be considerate of others’ challenges. Gaming should be a space where everyone feels supported, safe, and entertained.

Collaborating with Dubai Police has enabled me to contribute to an initiative aimed at fostering a secure and inclusive online gaming environment. We emphasise online safety by advising gamers to verify information, protect personal data, and exercise caution in the digital world. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy gaming in a safe, positive space, free from cyber threats and negative experiences.

Gaming has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the moment I first picked up a controller, I knew I wanted to pursue it professionally. Inspired by YouTubers who turned gaming into careers, I created my first videos in 2010. Although it was challenging, I remained committed to my dream, producing content on and off for over a decade with limited success. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I rebranded as “Pakman” to demonstrate that anyone, especially someone like me—a Pakistani man—could build a career in gaming, despite societal doubts.

I faced advice to give up and find a “real job,” but I persevered, often surviving on just 2-3 hours of sleep a night. Eventually, my hard work paid off; my channel gained momentum, and I became one of the fastest-growing streamers, reaching over 100 million views in 2024, primarily from the GCC region. The journey was tough, but it proved that perseverance and passion can overcome any obstacle.