LONDON: Popular Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt, who boasts over 7.74 million subscribers, was deported from the United Kingdom on Tuesday morning after British authorities revoked his visa.
According to ARY News, Butt boarded an early-morning flight to Pakistan following formal deportation orders issued by the UK Home Office. He was accompanied by fellow YouTuber Nadeem Mubarak (Nadeem Naniwala).
The deportation followed the revelation that Butt had intentionally concealed several pending criminal cases in Pakistan while applying for his UK visa, which was originally valid until 2027. The failure to disclose ongoing legal matters is a significant violation of UK immigration rules, leading to the cancellation of his visa and subsequent expulsion.
Upon arrival in Pakistan, Butt is not expected to face immediate arrest. However, a court ruling issued earlier on Tuesday mandated that both Butt and Mubarak appear in court tomorrow, December 10.
Justice Raja Inam Amin of the Islamabad High Court issued the order during a hearing of petitions filed by both influencers, who are currently facing multiple legal challenges, including cybercrime-related charges in various jurisdictions.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had registered an FIR against Butt for allegedly promoting illegal gambling and betting applications.
The FIR accuses Butt of earning substantial amounts by acting as a brand ambassador for gambling platforms and uploading sponsored videos promoting online gambling, which resulted in significant financial losses for many individuals. Despite several summons, Butt failed to appear before investigators, leading to the formal registration of the case.
Additionally, a petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court accusing Butt of disrespecting Islamic religious figures in his content.
