On March 25, 2025, Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt found himself at the centre of controversy after being booked under the country’s stringent blasphemy and cybercrime laws.
His alleged crime? The launch of a perfume brand that authorities claim mocked Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy law, thereby causing a “religious stir.”
This incident is yet another alarming example of how blasphemy accusations continue to be weaponised in Pakistan, often targeting those who express themselves freely online.
Rajab Butt, a well-known YouTube content creator with a substantial following, has built his brand on satire, entertainment, and social commentary.
His recent venture into the world of business, with the launch of a perfume line, was intended to expand his influence beyond digital content.
However, the choice of branding and messaging surrounding the product quickly became controversial.
Critics claimed that the perfume’s marketing campaign contained veiled references to Pakistan’s blasphemy law, interpreting it as an attempt to mock religious sentiments.
According to a report published in Pakistan’s leading English daily Dawn, in a now-deleted video from his social media accounts, Butt introduced his “295” perfume, referencing Pakistan’s blasphemy law in the Penal Code.
Religious groups and hardline clerics swiftly condemned Butt’s actions, and complaints were lodged with authorities, leading to the registration of a case under Pakistan’s blasphemy and cybercrime statutes.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws: A tool of repression
Pakistan has some of the strictest blasphemy laws in the world, often used as a tool to suppress dissent and target individuals over personal disputes.
Under the country’s legal framework, blasphemy charges can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.
In practice, however, mere accusations are often enough to provoke mob violence, social ostracization, or even extrajudicial killings.
The misuse of these laws has been well-documented, with accusations frequently leveraged against religious minorities, journalists, activists, and public figures who challenge the prevailing conservative narrative.
In Butt’s case, the invocation of cybercrime laws alongside blasphemy charges signals a growing trend of cracking down on digital content creators.
The rise of social media platforms has given individuals like Butt a voice and a following, but it has also put them in the crosshairs of authorities eager to control online discourse.
This is not the first time a digital content creator in Pakistan has faced legal repercussions over alleged blasphemy.
Over the past few years, several YouTubers, TikTok influencers, and even journalists have been targeted for their content.
The case against Rajab Butt highlights the increasing vulnerability of those who operate in Pakistan’s digital space.
For many YouTubers, satire and commentary are essential tools for critiquing society and sparking discussions on important issues.
However, in a country where blasphemy allegations can be life-threatening, even the mildest satire can lead to serious consequences.
The fear of persecution creates an environment of self-censorship, stifling creativity and discouraging meaningful dialogue on pressing issues.
Pakistan’s use of blasphemy laws has been widely condemned by international human rights organisations.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly called for legal reforms to prevent misuse and ensure that individuals accused of blasphemy receive due process.
The case against Rajab Butt is expected to draw further international scrutiny, particularly from organizations advocating for freedom of speech and digital rights.
The broader question remains: how does Pakistan balance religious sensitivities with the fundamental right to free expression?
While the country’s leadership has often promised to curb the misuse of blasphemy laws, little has changed on the ground.
Instead, the legal framework continues to enable the persecution of those who deviate from conservative religious norms, whether they are activists, artists, or digital content creators like Rajab Butt.
The ongoing case against Rajab Butt underscores the urgent need for reforming Pakistan’s blasphemy and cybercrime laws.
While religion holds a central place in Pakistani society, its legal framework must evolve to protect individuals from arbitrary accusations that endanger their lives and freedoms.
The case against Butt is a stark reminder of the fragile state of free expression in Pakistan.
In a rapidly digitising world, the country faces a choice: either embrace a more open and tolerant approach to discourse or continue down a path where laws are wielded as weapons against those who dare to speak freely.
If left unaddressed, such incidents will not only damage Pakistan’s global reputation but also stifle the very creativity and innovation that digital platforms are meant to foster.
As the case unfolds, one thing remains clear—Pakistan’s legal system must evolve to protect its citizens from arbitrary persecution and ensure that free expression is not sacrificed in the name of religious orthodoxy. Rajab Butt’s plight is not just about one YouTuber; it is about the future of digital freedom in Pakistan.
