ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted 10-day protective bail to YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, known as Nani Wala, after both surrendered before the court. Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas approved the bail following their arrival from the United Kingdom. The order protects them from immediate arrest in several cases linked to gambling applications, cybercrime offences and other alleged violations.
Court Responds to Arrest Fears
A day earlier, the court had approved one-day protective bail following a petition filed by their relatives, who argued that authorities might detain the influencers upon landing at Islamabad International Airport. Their counsel told the court that both men had stayed abroad for months due to fear of arrest and sought legal protection to approach relevant forums. The judge barred authorities from arresting them at the airport and directed them to appear before the IHC to mark their presence.
Clarification on Alleged Deportation
Reports suggested that the UK had cancelled Butt’s visa and deported him. However, his lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq rejected the claim, stating that Butt returned voluntarily.
Long List of Cybercrime and Other Allegations
Official records show that both influencers face multiple FIRs under cybercrime provisions involving promotion of gambling apps, misuse of digital platforms and online harassment. In September, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) booked Butt and Mubarak for allegedly advertising gambling apps. Police had earlier arrested Nadeem for displaying a fake vehicle registration number “IK-804,” reportedly linked to PTI founder Imran Khan’s prisoner ID.
Butt also faces serious accusations, including a March blasphemy-related FIR over his “295” perfume launch and a 2023 case involving illegal possession of a lion cub and weapons.
