A sessions court in Lahore on Tuesday extended the interim bail of YouTuber Rajab Butt and TikToker Nadeem Mubarak, popularly known as Naniwala, in cases related to the alleged promotion of a gambling application. The bail for both social media influencers has been extended until January 26.
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The accused appeared before the court under strict security arrangements. They are facing charges under cybercrime laws for allegedly promoting a gambling application through their online platforms, an offence that falls under ongoing scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
During the hearing, the investigating officer requested additional time to submit the complete case record. Accepting the request, the court granted more time to the prosecution and adjourned the proceedings after extending the interim bail pleas of both suspects.
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Meanwhile, in a related development, the Punjab Bar Council (PBC) restored the licence of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, who is representing Rajab Butt in multiple cases. The council accepted Ashfaq’s objections to his suspension and reinstated his licence with immediate effect.
Despite the restoration, the PBC has referred the matter to its disciplinary committee for further inquiry. Ashfaq had maintained that his licence was suspended based on incorrect information and had formally challenged the decision before the council.
The Punjab Bar Council had suspended Ashfaq’s licence on December 31 following a complaint filed by the president and general secretary of the Karachi Bar Association. The complaint emerged after an incident in Karachi where Rajab Butt was allegedly assaulted inside court premises.
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Rajab Butt was attacked by a group of lawyers after appearing before an additional district and sessions court in Karachi in a separate case linked to controversial remarks. The incident left him injured, with visible wounds and torn clothing.
Ashfaq later confirmed that his client was assaulted within the court premises, raising concerns over security and conduct in judicial spaces. Investigations into both the gambling app case and the assault incident are ongoing.