Pakistani court denies bail to podcast host in blasphemy case

A judicial magistrate in Lahore has denied a bail request from podcast host Rehan Tariq, who faces charges under blasphemy laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Tariq was arrested on June 25 after a podcast discussion on sensitive religious and sectarian topics sparked controversy.

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The prosecution had failed to produce any evidence linking his client to the alleged social media uploads.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a first information report (FIR) against Tariq. He was apprehended at Lahore's international airport upon returning from abroad and subsequently sent on judicial remand. His lawyer, Advocate Mian Dawood, argued that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking Tariq to alleged social media uploads and that his actions constituted constitutionally protected journalistic functions.

Dawood contended that the FIR did not specify which questions were objectionable and presented opinions from religious scholars suggesting the questions did not disrespect revered Islamic figures. He also argued that the prosecution had not complied with legal requirements for prosecution and that the case warranted further inquiry, as the investigation was complete and no further recovery was needed.

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Conducting an interview and asking questions on historical or religious matters were constitutionally protected journalistic functions.

However, Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo dismissed the bail petition, stating that no grounds for an "extraordinary concession of bail" had been established. The FIR against Tariq includes charges related to hate speech, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, and deliberately wounding religious feelings. The NCCIA had previously obtained a six-day physical remand for Tariq earlier in July.

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No case for extraordinary concession of bail had been made out in the matter.