Rajab Butt to create vlogs on animal rights every month, rules judge

A Judicial Magistrate on Friday awarded novel punishment to famous Pakistani YouTuber and Tiktoker Rajab Butt for keeping an illegal lion cub in his house located in Park View Housing Society, Lahore reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The judicial magistrate in his verdict ordered Rajab Butt to provide free community service for one year. The magistrate further directed the YouTuber to make vlogs about animal rights every month for at least five minutes.

In his order, the judicial magistrate stated that this vlog would be uploaded on the first week of every month after getting the nod from a probation officer.

Rajab Butt will have to upload all his vlogs on all social media platforms.

While on the other hand, the court also instructed the Wildlife Department to provide Rajab Butt with all materials related to animal protection.

It was further emphasized that Butt must attend hearings if summoned by the probation officer. If the court’s directives are not followed, a report will be presented to the court.

In a statement, Rajab Butt acknowledged his mistake, saying, "I admit that the lion cub was found in my possession illegally. I was unaware that wild animals cannot be received as gifts. I now understand that it is inappropriate to keep wild animals under such circumstances. I regret my actions, and as a social media influencer, I should focus on creating positive content. I was not authorized to keep the cub, and I set a wrong example. Recognizing my mistake, I will voluntarily offer community service through my social media platform and spread a positive message about the rights of wild animals. I leave myself at the mercy of the court."

In case viewers are not aware, the social media personality was arrested from his residence in Lahore after a raid conducted jointly by the Punjab Wildlife Department and police last month.

The authorities took action when a video surfaced showing Butt receiving a newborn lion cub as a wedding gift, raising concerns over illegal possession of wildlife.

                                                                                                                                                                              Reporter: Komal Aslam