Rajab Butt interim bail has become a major talking point after a sessions court in Lahore granted temporary relief to the YouTuber and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, popularly known as Naniwala, in a case linked to the alleged promotion of a gambling application. The decision has brought momentary relief to both social media influencers, who are currently facing charges under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws.
Court Grants Interim Relief
The Additional Sessions Court in Lahore, presided over by Judge Mansoor Ali Qureshi, approved the bail petitions of both suspects and granted them interim relief until January 6. As part of the court’s order, Rajab Butt and Naniwala have been directed to join the investigation and fully cooperate with the authorities.
The Rajab Butt interim bail decision comes at a time when scrutiny of digital content creators has intensified, especially over alleged violations involving online betting and gambling promotions. The court’s order does not absolve the suspects of the charges but provides them protection from arrest while the investigation continues.
Background of the Case
The case revolves around accusations that the two influencers promoted a gambling application through their social media platforms. Law enforcement agencies registered cases against them under cybercrime laws, alleging that such promotions encourage illegal online gambling and mislead audiences, particularly young users.
Before the Lahore court’s decision, the Islamabad High Court had already granted Rajab Butt and Naniwala a 10-day transit bail. That order allowed them temporary protection as they navigated legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. During the Lahore hearing, their legal counsel requested an extended transit bail, citing the registration of another case in Karachi.
Rajab Butt’s Public Stance
Following earlier court hearings, Rajab Butt addressed journalists to clarify several issues surrounding his legal troubles. He stated that he intended to appear before the Karachi court within the stipulated timeframe and emphasized that he was not deported from the United Kingdom.
I was not deported; one does not return via business class after deportation, Butt said, dismissing rumors circulating on social media. He explained that his UK visa had been cancelled and that he had already submitted a formal request to the UK Home Office to address the matter.
Rajab Butt also confirmed that his name is not included on Pakistan’s Exit Control List (ECL). According to him, his residence will remain in Pakistan while the case is ongoing, though he may travel abroad occasionally if permitted.
UK Visa Controversy Explained
The controversy surrounding Rajab Butt’s return from the UK added another layer of complexity to the case. Sources revealed that British authorities cancelled his visa, which was originally valid until 2027, after discovering that he had failed to disclose pending legal cases in Pakistan during the visa application process.
This omission reportedly prompted the UK Home Office to order his departure. However, Butt later issued a clarification to counter reports suggesting that he had been formally deported.
Further reports indicated that British intelligence agencies briefly detained Rajab Butt and Naniwala following anonymous complaints alleging links to terrorism-related activities. According to sources, both influencers were cleared of any such allegations after investigation, and no evidence was found to support the claims.
Legal Implications for Influencers
The Rajab Butt interim bail case highlights the growing legal challenges faced by digital creators in Pakistan. Authorities have increasingly emphasized that online fame does not place individuals above the law, particularly when content involves illegal activities such as gambling promotion.
Cybercrime laws are being actively enforced to regulate online platforms, and cases like this serve as a warning for influencers to carefully assess the legality of the content they promote. Legal experts note that interim bail is only a temporary relief and that the outcome of the investigation will determine the next phase of the case.
With the interim bail in place until January 6, Rajab Butt and Naniwala are expected to cooperate fully with investigators. The courts will review evidence, including digital content, promotional material, and financial links, before deciding on the future course of the case.
For now, Rajab Butt interim bail offers short-term protection, but the legal process is far from over. The case is being closely watched as it may set an important precedent for how Pakistan regulates influencer marketing and online gambling-related content in the digital age.
As investigations continue in Lahore and Karachi, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the charges hold or if the influencers manage to clear their names through legal proceedings.
