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Pakistan’s Famous YouTuber Rajab Butt has once again sparked nationwide controversy with the launch of his perfume, ‘295.’ The name, referencing Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code, a law concerning blasphemy has ignited outrage, leading to legal action and polarising public opinion.
The outrage stemmed from Butt’s previous legal troubles, where he and his friends had allegedly mocked the Christian community in his vlogs, leading to a case under Section 295-A and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. Additionally, a separate legal complaint under Sections 22-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), was filed against him for allegedly disrespecting prayer in a viral video, further intensifying the backlash.
During the perfume launch, Butt made light of his past case, remarking that the same section had also been imposed on his mentor, the late Indian singer Sidhu Moose Wala. This statement, coupled with the perfume’s name, was seen as highly provocative.
A complaint filed by Ramzan Bhatti at Nishtar Colony Police Station in Lahore caused the situation to intensify. The criminal proceeding contains allegations under Pakistan Penal Code Section 295-A along with offences from the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which address both blasphemy and online hate speech legislation.
According to the complaint Butt specifically chose the product name to provoke religious sensibilities with reference to a protected legal provision. The public uproar led multiple people including Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) members to call for severe consequences against the YouTuber.
Following accusations of religious insult Rajab Butt uploaded a video apology as he presented the Quran to viewers to deny any purposeful violation of religious law. The court actions proceed without pause even though the creator stopped selling his perfume and made his apology. Information indicates that during the sectarian uproar Butt chose to exit Pakistan to perform Umrah.
In a recent video, recorded in the courtyard of the Holy Kaaba, Butt sought forgiveness and clarified his statement, invoking God as his witness. He swore in the sacred place that he had not behaved intentionally and apologized once more for any unintentional errors, appealing for public pardon. Rajab Butt urged scholars, the Punjab government, and the Pakistan Army to evaluate the PECA Act case brought against him and provide justice.
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Despite the controversy, a significant portion of the public has expressed support for Butt, arguing that his actions have been misinterpreted. Many of his followers and fellow content creators believe that the backlash is exaggerated and that the case against him is politically motivated.
They point out that Butt’s previous controversies, including his arrest for keeping a lion cub as a pet, have made him a frequent target. His supporters argue that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are often misused to silence individuals and that the YouTuber’s perfume was never meant to be offensive.
However, the religious groups along with conservative activists, maintain their call for strong sanctions against Butt. Members of TLP and other religious activists have condemned him, stating that his perfume’s name was a deliberate attempt to mock religious laws.
According to the Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran, the authorities will detain Butt when he returns to Pakistan. The Pakistani authorities have contacted leaders from the Pakistan Ulema Council for assistance with this situation.
The public dispute over Rajab Butt serves to expose the profound religious and cultural tensions within Pakistan’s internet user community. Some defenders of artistic expression consider the negative reactions excessive, but a considerable number of citizens call for protecting religious sanctities in this manner.
With legal proceedings underway and Butt yet to return to Pakistan, the case remains a hot topic on social media, fueling further debate on freedom of expression, religious sensitivities, and digital laws in the country.
