A sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday extended the interim bails of YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak. The TikToker is widely known as Naniwala. The court granted relief until January 26. The case relates to the alleged promotion of a gambling application on social media platforms.
The two influencers are facing charges under cybercrime laws. Investigators claim the content promoted online gambling. Authorities argue such promotions violate existing digital and cyber regulations. Both accused deny wrongdoing and continue to seek legal relief.
Rajab Butt and Naniwala appeared before the court under strict security arrangements. Law enforcement officials remained present throughout the hearing. The atmosphere remained tense but orderly inside the courtroom.
Court Grants More Time to Investigation Officer
During the proceedings, the investigating officer requested additional time. The officer said the record in the case was still incomplete. The court accepted the request after hearing brief arguments from both sides.
The judge allowed more time for the submission of relevant documents. Following this, the court extended the interim bails of both social media personalities. The hearing was then adjourned until January 26.
Legal observers say the extension indicates procedural delays rather than a decision on merits. The court did not issue any fresh observations on the allegations. The case will resume once the investigation record is formally submitted.
The matter has attracted public attention due to the rising scrutiny of digital creators. Authorities are increasingly monitoring online content. Gambling-related promotions have become a major concern for regulators.
Punjab Bar Council Restores Lawyer’s Licence
In a separate but related development, the Punjab Bar Council restored the licence of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq. He is the legal counsel for YouTuber Rajab Butt. The council accepted his objections to an earlier suspension order.
Ashfaq had challenged the suspension. He claimed the action was taken on incorrect information. After reviewing his stance, the council decided to reinstate his licence.
However, the matter has not ended. The Punjab Bar Council has referred the issue to its disciplinary committee. Further inquiry will now take place under formal procedures.
Ashfaq’s licence was suspended on December 31. The action followed a complaint filed by the president and general secretary of the Karachi Bar Association. The complaint was linked to events surrounding Rajab Butt’s court appearance in Karachi.
The controversy escalated after Rajab Butt was allegedly assaulted at a court premises in Karachi. The incident occurred during a hearing related to a controversial statement. Butt appeared alongside TikToker Naniwala.
According to his lawyer, some individuals attacked Butt inside the court. The incident caused injuries and damage to his clothing. The matter triggered condemnation from legal and digital communities alike.
The case continues to highlight legal risks faced by social media influencers in Pakistan. It also raises questions about courtroom security and professional conduct.
