A Lahore court on Monday granted interim bail to social media personalities Rajab Butt and Nadeem Naniwala until January 6 in a case under investigation on charges of promoting betting apps.The court of Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi approved the interim bail request of both accused. During the proceedings, the court also issued notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and directed it to submit the case record along with a response. 

Last week, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had granted 10-day bail to the popular YouTubers and TikTokers.  According to court sources, both digital content creators appeared before the IHC, which approved their request for transit bail and directed them to approach the concerned court within 10 days.  The IHC had previously ordered both petitioners to ensure their personal appearance, which they complied with. 

Sources confirmed that multiple cases have been registered against Rajab Butt and Nadeem with the NCCIA in Lahore, though the exact nature of the allegations has not been officially disclosed.  The court, while issuing the bail order, instructed them to follow all legal procedures within the given timeframe, warning that failure to comply could result in legal consequences. 

Rajab Butt was deported from the United Kingdom after British authorities cancelled his visa. He was put on a morning flight to Pakistan following the cancellation. Officials stated that the visa was revoked after it was discovered that Butt had not disclosed the cases registered against him in Pakistan during his visa application. Following this, he was arrested, his visa was cancelled, and deportation was ordered. According to Rajab Butt, he plans to challenge the decision and pursue an appeal in London.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)