A Lahore sessions court on Monday granted interim bail to YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, also known as Naniwala, in a case involving the alleged promotion of a gambling application. The court approved their bail until January 6 and directed both influencers to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The case, filed under cybercrime laws, comes shortly after the Islamabad High Court granted a 10-day transit bail to Butt and Naniwala. During the hearing, the petitioners’ lawyer requested a 15-day transit bail, citing a separate case registered against them in Karachi. Butt has confirmed he will appear in the Karachi court within the stipulated period.
Butt clarified that he was never deported from the UK, noting that his visa had been canceled due to pending cases not disclosed during his visa application. The British Home Office had ordered his departure after discovering these violations, though Butt emphasized that his name is not on Pakistan’s Exit Control List and that he will remain in the country while the cases proceed.
The controversy began after MI-6 detained Butt and Naniwala following anonymous complaints alleging terrorism-related activities. Sources confirmed that both influencers were cleared of any links to terrorism during the investigation.
The Lahore court’s interim bail allows both social media personalities temporary relief while legal proceedings continue. Authorities have emphasized their requirement to remain available for further questioning and investigation.
This development underscores ongoing scrutiny of digital influencers under Pakistan’s cybercrime and gambling-related regulations. Social media personalities are increasingly being monitored for content and promotions that may violate national laws. Legal experts say that interim bail provides temporary protection but does not exempt them from potential penalties if found guilty.
The case has drawn attention due to the cross-border dimension involving the UK and ongoing cybercrime regulations in Pakistan, highlighting the complex legal environment social media influencers must navigate.
