Pakistani YouTube star Rajab Butt has been charged with blasphemy and cybercrime after launching a perfume named “295,” a direct reference to Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy law.
Butt, who has one of the country’s largest online followings, posted a now-deleted video promoting the fragrance, saying it was inspired by a blasphemy case filed against him last year over another video criticized by religious hardliners.
The launch sparked outrage, particularly from the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), whose leader Haider Ali Shah Gillani filed a police complaint.
“Our religious sentiments have been hurt,” Gillani said. “There are numerous sections in the penal code but why did he choose blasphemy-related sections to name a perfume?”
A police charge sheet confirmed Butt now faces serious accusations, with potential prison sentences of up to 10 years. In Pakistan, blasphemy allegations—whether proven or not—can lead to public unrest and even mob violence.
In response, Butt released an apology video holding a Koran.
“I apologize for the words I uttered during the launch of the perfume,” he said. “I apologize and announce the discontinuation of this perfume.”
Later, he posted another video from Mecca, where he’s seen in pilgrimage attire near the Kaaba.
“The charges against me, specifically the 295 charge, are false… I have been unjustly accused and charged,” he said. “A fatwa (Islamic ruling) has also been issued against me. I request your understanding and forgiveness.”
Butt had previously likened himself to Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, who released a song titled “295” criticizing religious extremism.
This isn’t Butt’s first brush with controversy. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to illegally owning a lion cub he received as a wedding gift. He avoided jail time by agreeing to promote animal rights through his channel.
