Pakistan court extends bail for two YouTubers in cybercrime, gambling-app cases
Islamabad High Court granted the two influencers a 10-day bail extension, giving them temporary protection from arrest
Aamir Abbasi
Editor, Islamabad
Aamir; a journalist with 15 years of experience, working in Newspaper, TV and Digital Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2009 with Pakistan’s Top Media Organizations. Graduate of Quaid I Azam University Islamabad.
YouTubers Rajab Butt (left) and Nadeem Naniwala.
Screengrab
Pakistan’s court extended on Wednesday protective bail for two prominent YoouTubers facing multiple investigations linked to an online gambling application and cybercrime offences.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted a 10-day extension to YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Nani Wala (Nadeem Mubarak), allowing them temporary protection from arrest. Justice Inaam Amin Minhas heard the petition.
Transit bail granted for Karachi appearance
In court, the influencers’ counsel sought 15 days of transit bail, arguing that both men also face a registered case in Karachi and require time to appear before the relevant court there.
The judge instead approved 10 days of transit (protective) bail and instructed the petitioners to present themselves before the competent trial court in Karachi within the allotted period. He added that they may seek further legal remedies once they appear before the local courts.
The Islamabad High Court also ordered that no arrest be made during this period.
The two men had earlier been granted protective bail upon their return from overseas, enabling them to approach the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and local courts without the risk of immediate detention.
The influencers, who command large followings on YouTube and TikTok, have in recent months been named in several police complaints, including allegations of promoting or facilitating an online gambling platform, cybercrime-related offences and other criminal charges filed in Karachi and other cities.
Their cases have drawn wide attention on Pakistani social media, where supporters argue the investigations are politically or commercially motivated. Authorities, however, say the inquiries involve potential financial irregularities and suspected cyber-related violations.
With the latest court order, both men have been given temporary protection from arrest as they prepare to appear before investigators and trial courts where proceedings will continue.
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