Rajab Butt, a Pakistani YouTuber, faces blasphemy and cybercrime charges. His perfume launch allegedly mocked Pakistan’s blasphemy law. Authorities booked him after a leader of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) filed a complaint.
Butt has a large online following and has been controversial before. His past legal issues include the brief custody of a lion cub. Recently, he launched a perfume named “295,” referencing the blasphemy law in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). He said the name was inspired by a case against him last year.
The perfume’s release sparked anger. The FIR was filed at Lahore’s Nishtar Colony Police Station under PPC Section 295-A (insulting religious beliefs) and Section 11 (hate speech) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) of 2016.
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Legal Action and Public Backlash
The FIR, seen by Dawn.com, states that Butt shared “anti-religious content.” TLP leader Haider Ali Shah Gillani filed the complaint. He saw Butt’s video while browsing his phone.
The FIR claims Butt referenced his past blasphemy case and compared himself to Sidhu Moose Wala, an Indian singer also accused under similar laws. In the video, Butt named his perfume after PPC Section 295. The complainant said this “hurt religious sentiments and violated blasphemy laws.”
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan. Even allegations can trigger public outrage and violence. In both cases, Butt could face up to 10 years in prison.
Butt Issues Apology
Butt responded with an apology video. He denied opposing blasphemy laws.
“I apologise for the words I uttered during the launch of the perfume,” he said. He announced the discontinuation of the perfume.
Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran said Peca laws apply as the incident involved social media. He confirmed Butt is performing Umrah and will be arrested upon return.
Authorities will consult the Pakistan Ulema Council regarding Butt’s comments. Kamran emphasized caution when discussing religion online. “People do not use logic in religion. Everything connects to sentiments,” he said.
This is not Butt’s first legal issue. In January, he admitted to illegally keeping a lion cub. A court spared him jail on the condition he posts animal rights videos for a year.
The case highlights the risks of discussing sensitive topics in Pakistan. Social media users must be mindful of content that could offend public sentiments.
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