Rajab Butt’s “295” perfume became controversial in March 2025 because the number evoked Pakistan’s blasphemy-related laws, while Butt said he had named it after a song by Sidhu Moose Wala. Butt apologized for his launch remarks and announced that he would discontinue the perfume. News reports describe criticism as well as support online, but do not establish that Pakistan’s internet was measurably or uniformly “split.”
What was Rajab Butt’s “295” controversy?
Butt, a Pakistani YouTuber, launched a perfume called “295” in March 2025. The name drew attention because Section 295 and related provisions of Pakistan’s Penal Code are associated with blasphemy offences. Dawn reported that critics interpreted the name as invoking those provisions. Dawn’s March 25, 2025 report covered the launch and the complaint that followed.
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The dispute was about both the number and the meaning listeners attached to Butt’s promotional remarks. The available reporting documents criticism and mixed online reactions, not a representative survey or a systematic measure of opinion across Pakistan. “Mixed reaction” is therefore more accurate than claiming the controversy split the country’s internet.
What did Butt say “295” meant?
Butt said he was referring to “295,” a song by Sidhu Moose Wala, whom he described as his mentor. Critics instead understood the number as a reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy-related legal provisions. These are competing explanations of the name: Butt’s stated intention is not the same thing as how critics interpreted it, and neither interpretation is a court finding. Dawn and its subsequent coverage reported the explanation and criticism.
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What complaint was filed over the perfume?
Dawn reported that a Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader filed a complaint at Lahore’s Nishtar Colony Police Station. The complaint cited Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran told Dawn that PECA was included because the matter concerned social-media comments. A complaint records allegations; it does not prove guilt or establish that a court has accepted those allegations.
In its March 25, 2025 report, Dawn quoted Kamran as saying: “Religion is a sensitive issue and one should take special care for speaking about it.” The launch video was later deleted from Butt’s social-media accounts, according to Dawn.
Did Butt apologize or discontinue the perfume?
Yes. Butt apologized for his launch remarks and announced that he would discontinue the perfume, according to Dawn and The Express Tribune. The Tribune quoted him saying: “I apologise for the words I uttered during the launch of the perfume.” It also reported his position that he had not intended to do anything wrong; that is his stated position, not an independent determination of intent. The Express Tribune’s March 25, 2025 report covered the apology and discontinuation announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How are the later legal developments related?
Later reporting described proceedings involving Butt, but those developments should not be treated as rulings on the Lahore perfume complaint. They concerned a separate case and a travel restriction.
A separate case over an earlier video
Dawn reported that a January 2025 complaint under PPC Section 295-A concerned a viral video in which the complainant alleged that Butt disrespected prayer. On April 25, 2026, a Karachi sessions court recalled interim bail in that case after Butt failed to appear without sufficient cause, according to the report. This was a separate proceeding from the Lahore complaint about the perfume promotion. Dawn’s April 25, 2026 report describes the bail development.
The Passport Control List ruling
On May 5, 2026, the Islamabad High Court ordered Butt’s name removed from Pakistan’s Passport Control List (PCL), provided no other legal impediment or court order applied. Dawn reported that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had no objection and that the court found continued travel restrictions unjustified after Butt participated in the inquiry. The ruling addressed the travel restriction; it did not determine the outcome of the perfume complaint. Dawn’s May 5, 2026 report covers the order.
What the controversy does—and does not—establish
- The perfume launch and the reaction to its name were reported in March 2025.
- Butt said the name referred to Sidhu Moose Wala’s song; critics associated it with Pakistan’s blasphemy-related legal provisions.
- A Lahore complaint was reported under PPC Section 295-A and PECA Section 11. The complaint itself is not proof of an offence.
- Butt apologized and said he would discontinue the perfume.
- News reports describe online criticism alongside support, but provide no representative measure showing how widely either view was held.
- The 2026 bail and PCL developments concerned distinct legal matters, not a finding on the perfume complaint.
The Express Tribune reported potential exposure of “up to 10 years” if convicted. That was a conditional statement about possible penalties, not a sentence, conviction, or finding that the allegations were proved. The reports cited here are news coverage rather than court records or legal advice; the later procedural updates described above are those reported through May 5, 2026.
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