In another high-profile PECA case, a judicial magistrate has granted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a six-day physical remand of podcast host Rehan Tariq in a case registered under blasphemy and electronic crime laws.
Tariq, who was arrested at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport upon his return from London, was produced before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo.
During the hearing, Tariq objected to the manner in which he had been presented before the court, saying he had been treated as though he were a dangerous criminal. He also told the court that he had not been informed of the allegations against him before being taken into custody. Despite his objections, the magistrate approved the investigating agency’s request for physical remand.
What is the case against Rehan Tariq?
The case is about a podcast episode featuring religious scholar Syed Jawad Naqvi, which drew widespread criticism on social media over its discussion of sensitive sectarian issues.
According to investigators, questions raised during the interview and the subsequent online publication of the podcast allegedly violated provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code by hurting religious sentiments and promoting sectarian discord.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the investigation is ongoing.
What does the FIR say?
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on the complaint of NCCIA Deputy Director Rizwan Sabir.
It invokes Section 11 (hate speech) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, along with Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 295-A (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 298 (uttering words or making gestures with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR alleges that content published through one of Tariq’s podcasts was capable of hurting religious sentiments and promoting sectarian hatred, prompting legal action under the cited laws.
Who is Rehan Tariq?
Rehan Tariq is a Pakistani podcast host and digital content creator known for conducting long-form interviews on politics, religion, current affairs, and social issues. His podcast features discussions with politicians, academics, journalists, and religious scholars, and has gained a significant following online.
