A Lahore court granted interim bail to social media figures Rajab Butt and Nadeem Naniwala today. The case links to claims of promoting betting apps online. Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi approved relief until January 6, 2025. The order offers breathing space while the law listens, weighing claims calmly, as tradition asks patience before judgment and truth finds daylight for all sides involved now.
Court Issues Notices and Directions
During the hearing, the court issued formal notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. The judge directed the agency to submit the full record and a clear reply. He also warned the petitioners to follow every legal step within the time frame, or face outcomes that the law has long carried, firm yet fair, for those who delay despite counsel, warnings, deadlines, duties, orders, trust, and process.
NCCIA Confirms Multiple Cases
Sources confirmed that the NCCIA in Lahore has registered multiple cases against both creators. Officials have not shared full details of every claim yet. The silence leaves room for questions, but the procedure moves steadily. Investigators will place facts on record, and the court will test them, as custom demands care before conclusions guided by law, evidence, timelines, rights, balance, restraint, patience, fairness, openness, scrutiny, and integrity.
Earlier Relief from the Islamabad High Court
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court granted a 10 day protective bail to the YouTubers. The bench directed them to approach the proper court in Lahore within that span. Respecting the order, both appeared before the Sessions Court on Monday. Their steps followed the old path of compliance, where relief grows from obedience to law, courts, rules, calendars, filings, hearings, decorum, duty, faith, process, tradition, and trust.
Deportation from the United Kingdom
This relief followed a sharp turn abroad for Rajab Butt. British authorities cancelled his visa and returned him to Pakistan on a morning flight. Officials said he failed to disclose criminal cases during his application. Once discovered, the visa was revoked swiftly, a reminder that borders respect honesty, not omission in forms, facts, disclosures, records, trust, candor, duty, checks, laws, process, fairness, scrutiny, accountability, worldwide.
Appeal Plans and Next Steps
Rajab Butt says he plans to challenge the decision and appeal in London. For now, the local case moves forward under watchful eyes. Interim bail is a pause, not an end. Like seasons turning, the law advances with measured steps, honoring the past while shaping tomorrow, until hearings settle doubts with reason through evidence, arguments, patience, counsel, filings, dates, balance, restraint, fairness, clarity, order, justice.
