Karachi/Lahore, Pakistan – Social media influencer Rajab Butt, known for his YouTube channel “Rajab’s Family”, has once again landed in hot water. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued him a summons amid allegations that he promoted online gambling and trading apps. This marks the latest episode in a string of controversies surrounding the vlogger.
What’s the NCCIA Saying?
On September 9, Rajab Butt was directed to appear at the NCCIA’s Lahore office at 11 a.m. under the authority of Assistant Director Shoaib Riaz. The agency’s notice accuses him of orchestrating a scheme that encouraged young followers to invest in unlicensed and fraudulent online platforms, including trading and gambling apps. The NCCIA warns that failure to attend will be seen as a lack of defense on his part.
Rajab Butt Responds: Legal Defense in Motion
Butt’s legal representative, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, assured that the YouTuber’s case is being meticulously reviewed and that “Rajab Butt’s case will be fully defended according to the law.” A formal written response is expected to be submitted promptly.
A Pattern of Controversy
This isn’t Rajab Butt’s first legal entanglement. Earlier in 2025, he faced two separate blasphemy-related FIRs:
In March, he launched a perfume brand called “295”, referencing a controversial blasphemy law (Section 295) in the Pakistani Penal Code. Critics saw this as provocative, leading to backlash, an FIR, and an eventual apology issued from the Kaaba in Mecca.
In July, during Muharram—a sensitive period in the Shia community—he posted a video saying, “Curse me upon Yazid’s ancestors,” which offended Sunni sentiments. An FIR was filed by members of the TLP (Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan), leading to another NCCIA summons.
Trend in Regulatory Crackdown
The case is also reminiscent of earlier actions against other influencers—like Ducky Bhai, who was detained for allegedly championing betting apps. It signals a tougher regulatory stance under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with scrutiny increasing over content deemed unlawful or injurious.
What Comes Next?
As Rajab Butt prepares to present his defense, attention turns to the broader implications on how influencers promote financial products. The proceedings may set a precedent for how platforms and personalities navigate legal limits in Pakistan’s digital space.
