LONDON: British Pakistani social media influencer and TikToker Zareq Nazir has announced his return to Pakistan to face the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry into illegal online gambling and betting platforms. He has appealed to Pakistani authorities to treat him fairly.
Zareq Nazir is a well-known online trader with millions of followers across social media platforms. He has been nominated in an NCCIA FIR alongside influencer Nadeem Naniwala, whose real name is Nadeem Mubarek. Nadeem returned to Pakistan last week from London with renowned YouTuber and influencer Rajab Butt. Rajab Butt had stayed for several months at Nadeem Naniwala’s South London residence, where both Nadeem and Rajab were later arrested by UK authorities.
Zareq Nazir is a witness to these events. Speaking to Geo News, he said: “I was present when Nadeem Naniwala and Rajab Butt were arrested. Their phones were switched off for nearly 48 hours. Rajab Butt’s issue started from that arrest, when police began reviewing his visitor status, which eventually led to its revocation. The arrests were made following several complaints, including requests from Pakistani authorities.”
He said: “I will return to Pakistan on Monday.”
The FIR alleges that the accused used their social media reach to encourage the public to invest in online trading, gambling, and betting applications for personal financial gain... They are also accused of jointly promoting multiple betting and gambling platforms through YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Zareq Nazir said: “The NCCIA has made a case against me because I revealed two expensive cars with Rajab Butt in London and handed out cash to people on the street during my visits to Lahore and Sialkot.
“The UK has no issue with me. I also have a company in Dubai and send money to Pakistan from there. Revealing cars is part of my work as a trader; I show lifestyle content, which is legal. It has nothing to do with gambling.” Zareq Nazir appealed to Pakistani authorities for justice.
