They used their platforms to encourage gambling.
Rajab Butt and Iqra Kanwal have been formally summoned by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency over allegations of promoting gambling applications.
According to official records, both YouTubers have been issued written notices.
They have been directed to appear before the investigators on September 9, 2025, following concerns raised over their digital content.
The agency alleges that they used their platforms to encourage gambling and betting disguised as trading opportunities.
Rajab has been accused of misleading young followers into investing in suspicious applications that could result in financial exploitation.
Authorities stated that he allegedly participated in designing organised schemes meant to trick ordinary people into losing hard-earned money.
The official notice warned that failure to appear would be interpreted as having nothing to present or state in his defence.
Rajab Butt’s lawyer, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, confirmed that their firm will represent him and submit a written response.
He added that the matter is under review from every legal angle and that his client will defend himself fully.
Rajab Butt is considered one of the central figures in the case due to his significant following across YouTube and other platforms.
Meanwhile, influencer Iqra Kanwal has also responded to the notice through the same lawyer, citing health reasons for absence.
Her reply explained that she is pregnant with her first child and under medical instructions to observe two months of rest.
She assured investigators that once recovered, she will cooperate fully and provide records or information relevant to the ongoing inquiry.
Her legal team requested that the agency postpone her appearance to allow recovery before she attends proceedings.
The NCCIA emphasised that promoting betting apps is a punishable offence due to the risks associated with financial fraud and exploitation.
With more influencers under scrutiny, the inquiry marks a broader effort to curb online gambling promotions in Pakistan’s digital space.
The NCCIA notices come only weeks after the arrest of Saad ur Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, at Lahore Airport.
Ducky Bhai was taken into custody after being accused of promoting gambling and betting platforms through his popular online channels.
The hearing is expected to clarify the extent of involvement of the accused influencers in the allegations.
Public attention remains fixed on how the inquiry will unfold and what consequences may follow for the country’s online creators.
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