Podcast host Rehan Tariq sent on 14-day judicial remand in blasphemy case

LAHORE: A judicial magistrate on Tuesday sent podcast host and YouTuber Rehan Tariq to jail on 14-day judicial remand in a case lodged under blasphemy-related provisions and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

Tariq was produced before the court by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after completion of his six-day physical remand. The investigating officer told the court that the agency no longer required his further custody for investigation.

Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo then ordered Tariq’s judicial remand. The magistrate also observed that religious discussions should not be held without adequate religious knowledge. Tariq had been arrested by the NCCIA at Lahore international airport when he arrived from abroad.

According to the first information report registered on June 25, the case was filed under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, which pertains to hate speech, as well as Sections 153-A, 295-A and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR states that Tariq hosted a podcast with a religious scholar in which highly sensitive and controversial sectarian issues were discussed, allegedly causing controversy among followers of different sects.