YouTuber Rehan Tariq Remanded for Six Days on Blasphemy, PECA Charges

Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo granted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a six-day physical remand of podcast host Rehan Tariq. The remand is in connection with a case registered under blasphemy and electronic crime laws.

The NCCIA registered a first information report (FIR) against Tariq on June 25. The charges stem from a podcast where he discussed highly sensitive and controversial sectarian issues with a religious scholar. This discussion reportedly sparked controversy among followers of different sects.

The FIR was filed under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, which addresses hate speech. It also includes charges under Sections 153-A, 295-A, and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. These sections pertain to spreading hate, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, and deliberately wounding religious sentiments.

Tariq was arrested at Lahore Airport upon his arrival from abroad. The investigating officer requested the remand for further investigation, which the magistrate granted. Tariq is to be produced again at the expiry of the remand period.