A Lahore court has sent podcast host and anchor Rehan Tariq to judicial custody after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) chose not to seek an extension of his physical remand in a cybercrime and blasphemy-related investigation.
LAHORE: A judicial magistrate on Monday sent podcast host and anchor Rehan Tariq to jail on judicial remand after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) did not request any further extension of his physical remand in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.
During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the court that no additional physical custody was required at this stage. After reviewing the investigation proceedings, the magistrate ordered that Rehan Tariq be shifted to jail on judicial remand until the next hearing.
According to reports from the courtroom, the judge also remarked that discussions on religious matters should only be undertaken with adequate religious knowledge, observing that people should avoid commenting on religion without proper understanding.
Rehan Tariq was arrested upon his arrival at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport after returning from abroad. Earlier, the NCCIA had obtained a six-day physical remand to investigate allegations linked to a podcast discussing sensitive sectarian issues. The FIR includes provisions of PECA relating to hate speech, along with Sections 153-A, 295-A and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Authorities allege the content could incite sectarian discord, while the investigation remains ongoing.
About The Author
