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.”

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.

A History of Controversy

This is not Butt’s first legal or public controversy. Last year, he faced accusations of blasphemy over another video. He has also compared himself to Sidhu Moose Wala, an Indian rapper who referenced religious incitement laws in his song "295."

In an unrelated legal case, Butt was charged in January for possessing an undocumented lion cub, a gift he received for his wedding. He avoided jail by promising to create animal rights awareness content for a year.

Blasphemy Laws and Their Impact

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws remain among the most controversial in the world. Even a mere accusation can lead to severe consequences, including public violence. The laws have been widely debated, with human rights groups arguing they are often misused.

Butt’s case is now in the hands of the courts. As legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the dangers of navigating religious sensitivities in Pakistan, particularly for high-profile social media figures. Whether his apology will have any legal weight remains to be seen, but for now, the backlash continues to grow.