The Lahore Sessions Court has extended the interim bail of popular YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikTok star Nadeem Naniwala until January 26, as investigations by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) continue.
Both social media personalities appeared before the court under tight security, reflecting heightened concerns following earlier incidents in Karachi. The hearing was presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi, who reviewed their interim bail applications.
During proceedings, the NCCIA’s lawyer informed the court that the investigating officer was engaged in ongoing High Court proceedings and requested additional time to submit investigation reports. The court accepted the request, temporarily putting the applications on hold.
In a related development, the Punjab Bar Council has reinstated the license of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, who represents Rajab Butt. Ashfaq had contested the suspension of his license, arguing it was based on inaccurate information. The PbBC restored his license but referred the matter to its disciplinary committee for further inquiry.
Ashfaq’s license had been suspended on December 31 following a complaint by the President and General Secretary of the Karachi Bar Association (KBA). This came after Rajab Butt was assaulted during a court appearance in Karachi, leaving him with a bloodied mouth and torn shirt. Butt was attacked by lawyers while appearing alongside Nadeem Naniwala in a case related to a controversial statement.
Confirming the incident, Mian Ali Ashfaq stated that several lawyers had assaulted his client within the court premises, raising serious concerns about courtroom security. The reinstatement of Ashfaq’s licence allows him to continue representing Butt while the disciplinary committee examines the matter further.
The extension of interim bail provides temporary relief to the digital creators, who maintain a large following on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, where the case continues to draw widespread public attention. The next court hearing is scheduled for January 26, when further progress of the investigation and legal proceedings will be reviewed.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by social media personalities in Pakistan, where digital content creators can quickly find themselves embroiled in legal disputes. Legal observers note that interim bail extensions and lawyer licensing issues are standard procedures in complex cases requiring thorough investigation.
