LAHORE: A sessions court in Lahore on Monday granted interim bail to YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, popularly known as Naniwala, in a case concerning the alleged promotion of a gambling application. The two influencers face charges under cybercrime laws.
Read More: YouTuber Rajab Butt, TikToker Naniwala Arrive Safely in Islamabad
Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ali Qureshi approved the bail pleas of both social media personalities until January 6, directing them to join the ongoing investigation. The development follows the Islamabad High Court’s recent approval of a 10-day transit bail for Butt and Naniwala in the same case.
Gambling App case: TikTokers Rajab Butt, Nadeem Naniwala get interim bail https://t.co/oJmyBlxSfn#lahore #tiktokerss #rajabbutt #NadeemNaniWala #InterimBail #GamblingAppCase #NCCIA #cybercrime #onlineindusnews pic.twitter.com/eRxQYvHEbA
— Online Indus (@onlineindus) December 15, 2025
During the hearing, the petitioners’ lawyer requested a 15-day transit bail, noting that a separate case had also been registered against the suspects in Karachi. Butt had earlier confirmed he would appear in Karachi court within the next 10 days and clarified that he had not been deported, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
“I was not deported; one does not return via business class after deportation,” Butt told journalists. He added that his British visa had been cancelled and that he had submitted a request to the UK Home Office regarding pending cases against him. Butt also confirmed that his name was not on the Exit Control List (ECL) and stressed he would remain in Pakistan while the case continues.
The cancellation of Butt’s UK visa, valid until 2027, reportedly followed an investigation by British authorities who found he had failed to disclose pending legal cases when applying for his visa. This violation prompted the UK Home Office to order his immediate departure.
Read More: Rajab Butt and Naniwala Receive 10-Day Transit Bail
Earlier reports stated that British intelligence agency MI-6 had detained Butt and Naniwala based on anonymous complaints alleging their involvement in terrorism-related activities. Sources confirmed that both men were later cleared of any links to terrorism, ending the inquiry.