LAHORE: Pakistani YouTuber and TikTok star Rajab Butt, also known as Rajab Bhatti, finds himself in a storm of legal and public backlash as of March 25, 2025, following controversial statements tied to his recent perfume launch. Over 100 complaints have been lodged against him across various Lahore police stations since Monday night, with two cases already registered under blasphemy and cybercrime laws, sources confirmed.
The uproar stems from a now-deleted video where Butt, intoxicated by fame and the pursuit of views, allegedly mocked religious sentiments. Initially, he was accused of disrespecting Christianity, but the controversy escalated when he released a video claiming the late Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala as his “mentor.” In the clip, Butt boasted about facing charges under Sections 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)—laws dealing with defiling the Quran and insulting the Prophet Muhammad, respectively, both carrying severe penalties including life imprisonment or death. “I’ve been charged under 295-B and C, and more might come, but I’ll keep doing 295 work,” he reportedly said, referring to his new perfume brand named “295.” The statement, perceived as glorifying blasphemy allegations, ignited widespread outrage.
A leader from the religiopolitical party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Lahore’s Nishtar Colony Police Station on Monday, charging Butt under PPC Section 295-A (insulting religious beliefs) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) for hate speech online. Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed Butt, currently performing Umrah, will be arrested upon his return. “The police are consulting the Pakistan Ulema Council on the matter,” Kamran added, noting the sensitivity of speaking against blasphemy laws.
The backlash has left Butt virtually confined to his home, unable to step out amid fears of mob violence—a common reaction to blasphemy accusations in Pakistan, where even unproven claims can lead to lynchings. Butt issued a public apology, clarifying his respect for Islam and denying intent to oppose Section 295, but the damage was done. He has since discontinued the “295” perfume, which he claimed was inspired by Moose Wala’s song of the same name, not a direct reference to blasphemy laws.
Butt, a Sialkot native with millions of followers, is no stranger to controversy, having previously faced legal action for keeping a lion cub and brandishing firearms. However, this latest episode has drawn unprecedented ire, with over 100 complaints filed in a single night, reflecting the public’s fury. The hashtag #RajabButt has been trending on social media, with many calling for strict action under Punjab Police’s oversight, while others debate the line between free speech and religious sensitivity in a country where blasphemy remains a red line. For now, Butt’s future hangs in the balance as legal proceedings loom.
