Pakistani YouTuber's ‘295’ perfume sparks outrage—Now he faces a decade in prison
Rajab Butt, one of Pakistan’s most prominent social media figures, is now at the centre of a blasphemy case. The controversy erupted after he launched a fragrance called «295,» directly referencing the blasphemy section of Pakistan’s penal code. A video promoting the perfume, now deleted from his accounts, quickly drew backlash.
TLP leader Haider Ali Shah Gillani filed a formal complaint against Butt on Monday. “Our religious sentiments have been hurt,” he said. “There are numerous sections in the penal code, but why did he choose blasphemy-related sections to name a perfume?” Speaking to AFP, he added, “This means you acknowledge the offence and are celebrating it. This is essentially an attempt to normalise such actions.”
Police File Charges
Authorities responded swiftly. A police charge sheet, verified by officials, details the allegations, including blasphemy and cybercrime offences. If convicted, Butt could face up to ten years in prison.
Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, often leading to violent public reactions. Even unproven accusations have, in the past, resulted in deadly mob attacks. Cases involving prominent figures tend to escalate quickly, drawing intense scrutiny from religious groups and authorities alike.
Apology and Damage Control
Facing widespread criticism, Butt released an apology video on Sunday. Holding a Koran, he stated, “I apologise for the words I uttered during the launch of the perfume. I apologise and announce the discontinuation of this perfume.”
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His statement was an attempt to distance himself from any perceived defiance of Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws. However, whether this will impact the legal proceedings remains uncertain.