YouTuber Rajab Butt apologizes, discontinues controversial ‘295 Perfume’

Lahore: YouTuber Rajab Butt has issued an apology and announced the discontinuation of his controversial ‘295 Perfume’ following backlash.

In a video message, Butt, while holding the Holy Quran, clarified that he never intended to oppose Sections 295-A or 295-C of the law through the perfume launch.

He sought forgiveness from Almighty Allah and the people of Pakistan for any unintended offense caused by his words during the launch event.

Amid growing criticism, Butt declared that the product would no longer be available, putting an end to the controversy.

Read more: Rajab Butt apologises to Christian community over controversial joke

Definition of Article 295-A and 295-C?

“295-A. Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of His Majesty's subjects, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations, insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both."

Section 295-A has already become a dead letter because of Pakistan's hapless minorities, whose places of worship are routinely ransacked and desecrated

It is useful to compare it to the situation in present-day Pakistan. The law as it stands today in the Pakistan Penal Code reads:

295-C. Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH):

Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine."