A Lahore judicial magistrate has granted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a six day physical remand of YouTuber and podcast host Rehan Tariq in a case involving blasphemy and electronic crime charges. The order was issued on Wednesday after the agency presented Tariq before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo and sought custody for further investigation. The case stems from a podcast episode that discussed sensitive sectarian issues and triggered controversy among followers of different religious groups.
According to the first information report registered by NCCIA on June 25, Tariq hosted a religious scholar on his podcast where highly sensitive and controversial sectarian matters were discussed. Authorities stated that the content of the discussion led to complaints and concerns from members of various sects. The FIR includes charges under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, which deals with hate speech, along with several provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. These include Section 153 A related to promoting enmity and hatred among different groups, Section 295 A concerning acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and Section 298, which pertains to uttering words or making gestures with deliberate intent to wound religious sentiments.
During the court proceedings, the investigating officer informed the magistrate that Rehan Tariq had been taken into custody at Lahore Airport upon his arrival from abroad. The officer requested the court to grant physical remand to facilitate further investigation into the allegations and to allow authorities to complete necessary inquiries linked to the case. After hearing the request, Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo approved a six day physical remand and directed NCCIA to produce the suspect before the court again after the completion of the remand period. The order enables investigators to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the podcast and the allegations mentioned in the FIR.
The case has drawn public attention because it involves a well known digital content creator and raises questions about online discussions of sensitive religious topics and the legal responsibilities attached to digital platforms. Pakistan’s cybercrime and criminal laws contain provisions that address online content deemed to incite hatred, spread enmity, or hurt religious sentiments. The proceedings against Rehan Tariq are expected to continue after the completion of the remand period, when investigators will present their findings before the court for further legal action. The matter remains under investigation and further developments are likely as authorities proceed with the case under relevant provisions of PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code.
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