In Pakistan’s increasingly volatile digital ecosystem, few controversies have captured as much public attention and backlash as the recent Rajab Butt case. A well-known YouTuber and influencer, Rajab Butt found himself at the center of a national storm after launching a perfume named “295”, a move widely interpreted as a provocative reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. What began as a marketing stunt quickly spiraled into a full-blown digital and legal crisis, igniting widespread backlash, religious condemnation and a registered FIR under serious penal and cybercrime sections.

In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team delves deep into the unfolding of the Rajab Butt controversy, analyzing how a single influencer’s actions exposed the fragile intersections of online fame, religious sensitivities and digital responsibility in Pakistan’s evolving media industry.

From YouTuber to National Controversy

Rajab Butt, known for his showy style and social media content, has frequently courted attention for his lifestyle and controversial statements. However, the latest episode involving the launch of his perfume named ‘295’ has turned public opinion decisively against him, even dragging in religious and legal authorities. The perfume’s name, a direct reference to Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code which deals with blasphemy laws, was seen by many as a calculated provocation. This move prompted outrage across Pakistani social media with critics accusing Butt of mocking religious sentiments and intentionally stirring controversy by comparing his situation with that of the late Indian singer Sidhu Moosewala, who had released a song titled “295” criticizing religious incitement laws.

FIR Registered Under Blasphemy and PECA Laws

The controversy intensified when a First Information Report was filed against Butt by Haider Ali Shah Gillani, a leader of the religio-political party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), at Lahore’s Nishtar Colony Police Station.

The charges against him are so serious that may include:

• 1Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code is a legal provision that deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens. This section criminalizes any spoken, written, or symbolic act that is purposefully carried out with the intention of insulting or offending the religious beliefs of others. Such acts must be proven to be intentional and malicious, not accidental. If someone is found guilty under this section, they may face up to ten years of imprisonment, along with a fine.
• Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 pertains to hate speech and offensive content shared through electronic means. It prohibits the use of digital platforms, such as social media and messaging apps, to promote terrorism, incite violence, or spread religious, ethnic, or sectarian hatred. This law is designed to prevent the misuse of technology for spreading hate or disrupting public order. Offenders can face imprisonment of up to seven years and/or be subjected to a monetary fine, depending on the severity of the offense.
• According to the FIR (available via Dawn.com), Butt posted a video in which he referred to his earlier blasphemy case, compared himself to Sidhu Moosewala and named his new perfume after the controversial blasphemy law itself. The FIR asserts that Butt spread “anti-religious content” and hurt religious sentiments through these acts.

There are also special slots reserved for hardship cases and low income workers registered with the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution.

Religious Sensitivities and the Digital Backlash

In Pakistan, blasphemy is an extremely serious and sensitive issue, one that has historically led to mob violence, extrajudicial killings and widespread unrest. The backlash against Butt spread like wildfire on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and YouTube. Hashtags like #BoycottRajabButt, #295PerfumeControversy and #RespectReligiousSentiments began trending across all social media platforms. Videos and posts from influencers, religious clerics and social commentators condemned Butt’s actions, calling for accountability and his immediate arrest. Others questioned why such content is allowed to flourish in the first place, demanding tighter regulation of online content that touches on religious matters.

Apology Video and Discontinuation of Perfume

Under growing public pressure and widespread criticism, Butt released a video apology in an attempt to address the backlash. In the video, he said, “I’m sorry for the words I used during the perfume launch. I have decided to stop selling this perfume.” He also made it clear that he respects Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and did not intend to offend anyone or show any disrespect towards religious sentiments. Despite his statement, many people were not convinced. For a large number of viewers, the apology came across as a last-minute public relations move rather than a heartfelt expression of remorse. The timing and tone of the message led many to believe that it was issued only to save face and control the damage, rather than out of genuine regret.

Current Status: Legal Trouble and Umrah Abroad

As of the latest reports, Rajab Butt is currently performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Lahore’s Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran confirmed that he would be arrested upon return and that the Pakistan Ulema Council would be consulted regarding Butt’s remarks and their potential blasphemous implications. DIG Kamran also highlighted the importance of digital responsibility by saying, “Religion is a sensitive issue. People do not use logic in religion; everything is connected to sentiments. People should be careful while speaking and writing on social media.

A Pattern of Legal and Ethical Issues

This isn’t Rajab Butt’s first brush with the law. In January, he pleaded guilty to owning an undocumented wild animal, a lion cub gifted to him at his wedding. Though he avoided jail time, the judge required him to post animal rights awareness videos for one year. The repeated controversies paint a troubling picture of an influencer who continues to push ethical boundaries for the sake of views, shock value or misguided brand building.

The Bigger Picture: Pakistani Social Media Nexus

The Rajab Butt controversy has brought renewed attention to the complex relationship between social media, religion and regulation in Pakistan. It highlights ongoing debates about the limits of free expression in a deeply religious society, the role of government and digital platforms in monitoring online content and the risks that arise when celebrity influence intersects with sensitive religious issues. Social media in Pakistan often acts as an informal court of public opinion, where opinions spread rapidly and public backlash can be intense. The Butt incident shows how quickly a single online moment can spiral into nationwide outrage and even lead to serious legal consequences.

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