A sessions court in Lahore on Monday granted interim bail to YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, popularly known as Naniwala, in a case related to the alleged promotion of a gambling application.
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Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ali Qureshi heard the bail pleas and approved interim bail for both social media influencers until January 6. The court also directed the accused to join the investigation.
The suspects have been booked under cybercrime laws for allegedly promoting a gambling application on social media platforms.
The development comes days after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted a 10-day transit bail to Butt and Naniwala in the same case. During Monday’s hearing, the defence counsel sought a 15-day transit bail, arguing that a separate case had also been registered against the accused in Karachi.
Speaking to journalists at the court premises last week, Rajab Butt said he would appear before a Karachi court within the next 10 days. He denied reports of deportation, stating, “I was not deported; one does not return via business class after deportation.”
Butt clarified that his British visa had been cancelled and that he had submitted an explanation to the UK Home Office regarding the cases registered against him in Pakistan. He also confirmed that his name was not placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) and said he would remain in Pakistan while the legal proceedings continue.
“I may have to travel abroad occasionally, but my residence will remain in Pakistan,” he added.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that the United Kingdom had deported the Pakistani YouTuber after revoking his visa. According to sources, Butt’s visa, which was valid until 2027, was cancelled after British authorities found that he failed to disclose pending legal cases during the visa application process.
Sources further revealed that the development followed an investigation initiated after Britain’s intelligence agency detained Butt and Naniwala on anonymous complaints alleging terrorism-related activities. However, both individuals were later cleared of any terrorism links.
