Renowned Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt facing legal action over allegations of hurting religious sentiments has issued a public apology from Masjid al-Haram while performing Umrah.
The controversy stems from his recently launched perfume, “295,” named after Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which sparked severe criticism and led to the registration of a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Butt, who enjoys a significant following on social media, shared a video in which he invoked Allah as his witness, claiming that he had no ill intentions.
Dressed in Ihram, he recited Darood Sharif and the Islamic declaration of faith, asserting, “My wealth, life, parents, children, and every drop of my blood are dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
“I swear at this holy place that I did nothing intentionally,” Butt said in the video, adding that the controversy arose due to ignorance rather than malice. He urged people to “cleanse their hearts” toward him and pleaded for reconsideration of the charges filed against him.
The controversy erupted when Butt introduced his perfume, “295,” in a YouTube vlog. The name’s reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws led to accusations that it mocked the legislation, prompting backlash, particularly from Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Haider Ali Shah Gillani, a leader of the religious party, lodged a complaint, citing that “our religious sentiments have been hurt.”
A police charge sheet, authenticated by officials, details the allegations against Butt, which include blasphemy and cybercrime-related offenses. The FIR under PECA and Section 295-A carries a potential prison sentence of up to ten years if he is convicted.
Following the outcry, Butt deleted the promotional video and announced the discontinuation of the perfume. In his apology, he held a Quran while reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
“I apologise for the words I uttered during the launch of the perfume,” he stated.
This is not the first time the YouTuber has faced legal troubles.
Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to possessing an undocumented wild animal after receiving a lion cub as a wedding gift. He avoided jail by agreeing to produce animal rights awareness videos for a year.
In his video, he appealed to religious scholars, the Punjab government, and the Pakistan Army for justice, insisting that he had been falsely accused.
He further claimed that a crucial part of his video—where he allegedly clarified his stance—had been edited out, leading to a misinterpretation of his words.
At the conclusion of his statement, he reiterated his apology to Allah, His Messenger, and all Muslims, seeking forgiveness for any unintended offense.
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