On December 29, 2025, a routine court appearance in Karachi turned into a scene of shocking violence when prominent Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt was physically assaulted by a group of lawyers inside the premises of the Additional District and Sessions Court (Central). The incident occurred shortly after a hearing related to a case accusing Butt of deliberately hurting religious sentiments under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code. Videos of the aftermath quickly went viral on social media, showing Butt with a torn shirt, visible injuries including a bloodied mouth and jaw, and being surrounded by a chaotic crowd.
Rajab Butt, a social media influencer with over 8 million YouTube subscribers known for his comedic skits, vlogs, and controversial content, appeared in court alongside his close associate, TikToker Nadeem Mubarak (popularly known as “Nani Wala”). The duo had returned to Pakistan earlier in December after securing protective bail from the Islamabad High Court, following a brief stay in the United Kingdom where Butt’s visa was reportedly revoked due to undisclosed pending cases in Pakistan.
Butt’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, immediately condemned the attack in a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a “life-threatening assault” carried out in his presence. He alleged that despite repeated pleas to stop, the lawyers continued beating his client, resulting in injuries. Ashfaq labeled the conduct “unprofessional” and warned that such vigilante actions by members of the bar were eroding public respect for the legal profession. “Taking the law into their hands is weakening the reputation of lawyers in the country,” he stated, adding that no educated society tolerates such behavior on court premises.
Eyewitness accounts and circulating videos paint a disturbing picture. One clip shows Butt navigating through a dense crowd with his shirt ripped in multiple places, appearing disoriented and injured.
Another video captures Butt walking escorted by a group of lawyers chanting “Karachi Bar Zindabad” (Long Live Karachi Bar). Notably present in this group was Advocate Riaz Ali Solangi, the complainant in the religious sentiments case against Butt. In the footage, Solangi and another lawyer justify the assault, claiming it was retaliation for Butt’s alleged derogatory remarks about lawyers in a recent vlog. One lawyer is heard saying, “What happened today was because of his words against lawyers and his misbehavior… Anyone who says anything against lawyers will end up in the same condition.”
Reports indicate that Nadeem Mubarak was also reportedly manhandled during the scuffle, with his clothes torn as well.
The chaos raised serious questions about security protocols in Pakistani courts, with police and court staff eventually intervening to restore order. Despite the violence, the court extended Butt’s interim bail until January 13, 2026, allowing him to remain free pending further hearings.
Background: The Case Against Rajab Butt and His History of Controversies
The assault stems from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged in January 2025 at Hyderi Market Police Station in Karachi by Advocate Riaz Solangi. The complaint alleges that in a viral video from December 2024, Butt was seen performing Islamic prayer (namaz) while music played in the background—an act deemed by the complainant as a deliberate and malicious attempt to outrage religious feelings under Section 295-A PPC.
Following the video’s virality, Butt responded with a three-part apology series on his social media, sitting alongside religious scholars from various sects. He expressed deep regret, stating his actions were unintentional and apologizing if anyone’s sentiments were hurt. Earlier controversies include a March 2025 blasphemy-related uproar over his perfume brand named “295” (referencing Pakistan’s blasphemy laws), as well as cases involving promotion of online gambling apps and ownership of an undocumented lion cub.
Butt and Mubarak have faced multiple legal battles, including cybercrime charges for allegedly endorsing betting platforms. Their return from the UK in December 2025 was facilitated by protective bails, highlighting the high-profile nature of their cases.
This incident is not isolated; Pakistani courts have occasionally witnessed clashes involving lawyers, often over perceived slights or case-related tensions. However, physical assaults on litigants inside court premises are rare and widely condemned.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The attack drew swift criticism. Sindh Interior Minister Zia Lanjar called it “regrettable,” emphasizing that violence has no place in courts. Legal experts and social media users debated the erosion of professional ethics among some lawyers, while others defended the assailants citing provocation from Butt’s alleged insults.
No official statement has emerged from major bar associations like the Karachi Bar Council as of late December 29, though individual lawyers have distanced themselves from the violence. Police are reportedly reviewing footage to identify assailants, and Butt’s team is considering filing a counter-complaint.
The event underscores ongoing tensions between social media influencers and traditional institutions in Pakistan, where content creators often face backlash—and legal action—for material perceived as crossing religious or societal red lines. It also highlights vulnerabilities in court security and the potential misuse of mob justice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajab Butt?
Rajab Butt is a prominent Pakistani YouTuber, TikToker, and content creator with millions of followers. Known for humorous vlogs and skits, he has been involved in several controversies related to religious sensitivities, gambling promotion, and animal welfare.
What happened at the Karachi court on December 29, 2025?
Rajab Butt was physically assaulted by a group of lawyers after a hearing. He sustained injuries to his jaw and mouth, and his shirt was torn. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for alleged derogatory remarks about lawyers.
Why was Rajab Butt in court?
He appeared for a hearing in a case accusing him of hurting religious sentiments by performing prayer with background music in a video. His interim bail was extended to January 13, 2026.
Who is Nadeem Mubarak (Nani Wala)?
A close friend and fellow influencer, known as “Nani Wala” on TikTok. He was present at the court and reportedly also manhandled during the incident.
What triggered the assault according to the lawyers?
Videos show lawyers claiming it was due to Butt’s recent vlog where he allegedly insulted the legal profession, including questioning the complainant’s appearance as a lawyer.
Has Rajab Butt apologized for the original video?
Yes, in January 2025, he released multi-part apology videos with religious scholars, expressing regret for any unintentional offense.
What other cases is Rajab Butt facing?
Multiple, including promotion of gambling apps, cybercrimes, and past blasphemy-related issues (e.g., his “295” perfume brand).
Why did Rajab Butt go to the UK and return?
He traveled to the UK but returned voluntarily (denying deportation claims) after securing protective bail to face cases in Pakistan.
What has been the official response?
Butt’s lawyer condemned it strongly. The Sindh Interior Minister called it regrettable. No arrests reported yet, but investigations are underway.
Does this reflect broader issues in Pakistan?
Yes, it highlights tensions over social media content, blasphemy laws, lawyer conduct, and court security in a society sensitive to religious matters.
Conclusion
The assault on Rajab Butt in a Karachi court is a troubling episode that exposes deep fissures in Pakistan’s socio-legal landscape. While freedom of expression on digital platforms empowers creators like Butt, it also collides with deeply held religious and professional sensitivities, often leading to volatile outcomes. The lawyers’ actions—however provoked—represent a dangerous breach of professional ethics and the sanctity of judicial premises, undermining the very rule of law they are sworn to uphold.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust court security, stricter enforcement against vigilante justice, and constructive dialogue between influencers and society. For content creators, it underscores the responsibility to navigate cultural red lines carefully. Ultimately, such events erode public trust in institutions and highlight the urgent requirement for reforms to protect all parties in an increasingly polarized digital age. As legal proceedings continue, one hopes for accountability, healing, and a commitment to peaceful resolution over violence.
