The ongoing legal proceedings involving well-known Pakistani content creators Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak, widely recognized as Nani Wala, have intensified as both personalities prepare to return to Pakistan. Their arrival follows the approval of protective bail granted by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), ensuring temporary immunity from arrest until their scheduled surrender. The case has generated widespread attention online, largely due to the creators’ controversial history and their significant influence across social media platforms.
Legal Protection Granted Before Arrival
Protective bail was approved after a petition filed by the families of both creators. This decision ensures that neither Butt nor Mubarak will be detained upon reaching Islamabad Airport. The court order clearly states that no arrest should occur until their formal surrender on the specified date.
The order emphasized that the accused must present themselves before the court without delay. This directive reflects the judiciary’s intent to maintain due process while ensuring cooperation from both individuals. Their legal teams have confirmed full compliance with these instructions.
Previous Charges Related to Cybercrime Allegations
Both creators have previously faced cybercrime-related cases. Rajab Butt was booked in September by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for allegedly promoting online gambling applications through his digital platforms. This promotion drew criticism for exposing younger audiences to potentially harmful practices, leading to formal legal action.
Similarly, Nadeem Mubarak was accused of using his social media presence to advertise gambling apps. His case, however, escalated further when he was arrested for displaying a fake registration plate—IK-804—on his vehicle. Authorities noted that he failed to provide satisfactory responses when questioned about the fraudulent number plate, which is reportedly associated with the prisoner number of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This connection drew extensive media interest and intensified public scrutiny of the incident.
Return from London and Intent to Surrender
Both creators departed from London to Islamabad with the stated intention of surrendering themselves on December 10. Their arrival marks a significant turn in their legal journey, highlighting their willingness to face charges rather than avoid due process.
Mian Ali Ashfaq, the legal representative for Rajab Butt, clarified that the YouTuber was not deported from the United Kingdom. He confirmed that Butt made the decision independently and voluntarily. According to Ashfaq, Butt’s proactive approach facilitated his smooth return, enabling him to travel without restrictions from any administrative body.
Controversy Over Perfume Brand and Blasphemy Allegations
Earlier this year, a major controversy emerged when Butt launched his perfume brand titled “295”, a name that referred to Pakistan’s blasphemy law under the Pakistan Penal Code. The release sparked a significant “religious stir” on social media, prompting authorities to register cases under blasphemy and cybercrime laws.
The product was widely criticized for allegedly mocking a sensitive legal provision. The backlash prompted swift action from authorities and reignited debates about the responsibilities of social media influencers regarding religious and cultural boundaries. The incident demonstrated the increasingly complex relationship between digital branding and legal frameworks in Pakistan.
Wildlife Violation and Previous Arrest
Rajab Butt has faced additional legal challenges in recent years. In December of the previous year, he was arrested for possessing an undocumented lion cub and illegal weapons at his residence. During court proceedings in January, he pleaded guilty to unlawfully keeping the wild animal, which he claimed was received as a wedding gift.
To avoid imprisonment, he agreed to produce and share animal-rights awareness videos for a full year. This outcome was seen as a rehabilitative approach, encouraging responsible influence while holding high-profile figures accountable for their actions.
Growing Influence of Pakistan’s Digital Creators
Despite these controversies, Pakistan’s creator economy continues to grow. According to a recent statement by Google, the number of YouTubers in Pakistan earning more than Rs10 million annually increased by 25 per cent. Additionally, more than 65 per cent of total watch time on Pakistani content now comes from international viewers, reflecting a substantial global audience.
Google Country Director Farhan Qureshi highlighted that Pakistani creators are expanding their digital footprint and demonstrating impressive potential in reaching audiences worldwide. In December last year, Google published a list of top-performing Pakistani content, including categories such as Top Trending Videos, Top Music Videos, and Top Creators, showing that Pakistan’s digital industry is becoming increasingly competitive.
Conclusion
The return of Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak marks a critical moment in the evolving relationship between content creators and the legal system in Pakistan. Their cases reflect broader challenges surrounding digital influence, regulatory responsibility, and public accountability. As the two prepare to surrender before authorities, the outcome may shape future expectations for creators who command massive online audiences.
Simultaneously, Pakistan’s creator economy continues to thrive, proving that digital talent from the country is gaining international recognition. The legal proceedings involving these high-profile figures are expected to unfold in the coming days, drawing further attention from both the public and media.
