IHC disposes of Rajab Butt’s plea after govt removes his name from PCL

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday disposed of a contempt of court petition filed by YouTuber and social media influencer Rajab Butt after the federal government confirmed the removal of his name from the Passport Control List (PCL).

IHC Judge Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the contempt petition, which had been filed due to non-compliance with an earlier court directive ordering the removal of Butt’s name from the exit ban list.

During the proceedings, Deputy Attorney General Mian M Faisal Irfan submitted an official notification issued on September 16, 2026, confirming that the petitioner’s name had been formally struck off the PCL.

Following the update, petitioner’s counsel Ayesha Khalid informed the court that since the petition had achieved its objective, her client did not wish to pursue the contempt matter further. The court subsequently disposed of the plea.

Timeline of legal controversies surrounding Rajab Butt

Rajab Butt, one of Pakistan’s most prominent digital content creators, has been entangled in a series of legal cases over the past two years, ranging from cybercrime and wildlife violations to blasphemy charges.

Promotion of Illegal Betting Apps (PECA Case)

In September 2025, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Rajab Butt alongside other influencers under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

According to the FIR, Butt served as a brand ambassador for illegal gambling and betting platforms (including Binomo and 1xBet) and promoted them via YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, leading followers to lose significant funds.

His name was subsequently placed on the Passport Control List (PCL) upon the request of investigators after he repeatedly missed agency summonses. After returning to Pakistan from the UK in late 2025, he approached the courts, culminating in the IHC ordering his name off the PCL.

‘295’ Perfume Launch and Blasphemy Charges

In March 2025, Butt launched a fragrance brand named “295”, making explicit reference to Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with blasphemy laws.

The promotional campaign triggered immediate outrage from religious groups, leading to an FIR filed by a representative the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. He was charged under blasphemy provisions and PECA sections.

Butt deleted the campaign materials and issued a video apology holding a Holy Quran to announce the complete cancellation of the product line.

Religious Sentiments Case (Karachi)

In January 2025, Karachi police registered a case against Butt under Section 295-A of the PPC at the Hyderi Market Police Station following a complaint by an advocate.

He was accused of making inappropriate remarks regarding Islamic prayers in a viral vlog. Although he issued an explanation alongside local religious scholars, a Karachi sessions court temporarily canceled his pre-arrest bail in April 2026 due to repeated non-appearance in court proceedings.

Illegal Possession of Lion Cub & Weapons

In December 2023, a joint raid by the Punjab Wildlife Department and Chuhng Police at Butt’s Lahore residence resulted in the recovery of an undocumented African lion cub and unlicensed firearms.

Butt claimed the cub was received as a wedding gift. In January 2025, a judicial magistrate in Lahore sentenced him to one year of community service under a probation officer after he pleaded guilty.

As part of the sentence, the court mandated that he produce awareness vlogs on animal rights, while the lion cub was permanently handed over to the Lahore Safari Zoo.

UK deports Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt

On December 9, 2025, the United Kingdom deported Rajab Butt after the cancellation of his UK visa. Rajab Butt left the country after announcing a temporary break from vlogging amid controversy and legal action.

Rajab Butt, TikToker Nadeem Mubarak get interim bail

On December 15, 2025, a Lahore district and sessions court has granted interim bail to Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak aka Nani wala in a case related to the promotion of gambling apps.

Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ali Qureshi heard the interim bail pleas of both social media personalities. Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq filed the bail applications of Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak.