By dubailife 
Pakistani Influencer Rajab Butt Faces Blasphemy Controversy Amid Dubai-Pakistan Social Media Spotlight
Rajab Butt, a well-known Pakistani influencer with a growing fanbase in Dubai and across the Gulf region, is now embroiled in a major blasphemy controversy that has sparked outrage both in Pakistan and among segments of the Pakistani diaspora in Dubai.
The controversy ignited after Rajab Butt launched a fragrance named “295”, a direct reference to Section 295 of Pakistan’s Penal Code, which deals with blasphemy. A promotional video for the perfume, which was widely circulated on Pakistani and Dubai-based social media platforms, has since been removed following a public backlash.
Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan – A Sensitive Topic With Global Impact
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are considered some of the strictest in the world. Even unverified accusations can lead to mob violence or legal action. Over the years, such cases have drawn attention from international human rights groups and media outlets, including those in Dubai, where a significant Pakistani community keeps a close eye on developments back home.
This latest incident involving a high-profile social media personality from Pakistan has triggered widespread condemnation from religious groups, public figures, and authorities, both within the country and among overseas Pakistanis.
Apology Amid Backlash
In response to the growing criticism, Rajab Butt issued a public apology on Sunday via a video message. Holding the Holy Quran, he expressed remorse over his words during the launch event, which many deemed disrespectful.
His apology video was shared across Dubai-based Pakistani forums, WhatsApp groups, and YouTube channels catering to the expat community in the UAE, generating mixed reactions.
Previous Controversy: Lion Cub Legal Case
This isn’t the first time Rajab Butt has made headlines. In January 2025, he was charged for allegedly keeping an undocumented lion cub, a wedding gift he had showcased on his social channels. The incident drew attention from Dubai-based animal welfare advocates and conservation groups with strong ties to Pakistan.
To avoid legal consequences, Butt agreed to produce awareness content about animal rights, promising to highlight issues around illegal wildlife possession, a concern that resonates in both Pakistan and Dubai, where exotic animal ownership is tightly regulated.
Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws Under International Scrutiny
The case has once again put the spotlight on Pakistan’s blasphemy legislation, which many human rights organizations—both local and international—consider problematic. Critics argue the laws are often misused and can lead to mob violence, false accusations, and social unrest. Cases involving celebrities and influencers tend to gain extra attention due to their digital reach and public influence, especially among youth audiences in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and even Dubai.
Dubai’s Role in the Conversation
With Dubai being a central hub for Pakistani influencers, digital entrepreneurs, and vloggers, controversies like this tend to reverberate quickly through the UAE’s South Asian expat circles. Social media content produced in Pakistan often finds a receptive—and reactive—audience in Dubai, where freedom of expression is more regulated, and public discourse is closely monitored.
Final Thoughts
As Rajab Butt’s blasphemy case continues to unfold, the story is being closely followed not just within Pakistan, but also in Dubai and across the Middle East, where millions of Pakistanis live and work. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of how social media content can have cross-border consequences, especially when religious
sentiments are involved.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pakistan’s legal news, Dubai influencer controversies, and the evolving digital culture connecting South Asia and the Gulf.