Islamabad – In a significant development for Pakistan’s digital content creators, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted a 10-day protective bail to YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Nani Wala, also known as Nadeem Mubarak, following their voluntary surrender before the court. The bail comes amid multiple cases registered against the two social media personalities, ranging from alleged promotion of online gambling apps to other cyber-crime charges.
Both Butt and Nadeem had recently returned to Pakistan from the United Kingdom, with reports suggesting that Rajab Butt’s visa had been cancelled, prompting fears of immediate arrest upon arrival. Their legal counsel approached the IHC seeking protective bail to ensure a safe and orderly process for their surrender and subsequent court appearances.
The court’s order prevents any law enforcement agency from arresting the duo during the 10-day period, giving them the opportunity to seek regular bail and prepare their defense against the pending FIRs. Legal experts say this protective bail is a procedural relief that safeguards the fundamental rights of the accused while maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Official records indicate that the FIRs include allegations of operating or promoting gambling platforms, misuse of digital media, and other violations under Pakistan’s cyber-crime laws. Additionally, Nadeem Nani Wala is reported to be involved in a case concerning a vehicle bearing a dubious registration number “IK-804,” which is under investigation.
Analysts suggest that the case highlights the growing scrutiny on social media influencers and digital entrepreneurs in Pakistan. With increased government focus on online content regulation and cyber security, cases like these are becoming more common, and protective bail allows creators to engage with the legal process without immediate risk of detention.
The IHC emphasized that this protective bail is temporary and does not absolve the accused from facing the pending legal proceedings. Both Rajab Butt and Nadeem Nani Wala are expected to appear in court during the 10-day period to continue with formal hearings, marking a critical phase in Pakistan’s ongoing effort to regulate cyber activities while balancing the rights of content creators.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.