A court on Wednesday approved a six-day physical remand of news anchor Rehan Tariq, who was arrested in connection with a blasphemy case. Rehan Tariq is currently facing legal action over promoting religious hatred and controversial content
According to the prosecution, a case has been registered against Rehan Tariq under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Deputy Director Rizwan Sabir.
According to the prosecution, Rehan Tariq gave an interview on his official page in which he asked highly sensitive and controversial questions. Investigators told the court that the accused’s electronic devices, including his mobile phone, need to undergo forensic examination. The court directed the investigating authorities to submit a progress report at the next hearing.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistani podcaster Rehan Tariq was taken into custody by officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) at Lahore Airport after arriving from London, according to media reports.
Reports said Rehan Tariq landed in Lahore shortly after 1 am, where he was initially stopped by officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). NCCIA officials later arrived at the airport, took him into custody, and left the premises.
According to the reports, Rehan Tariq was taken to an undisclosed location. However, no official details have been released regarding the reasons for his detention or whether he has been formally arrested. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has not issued an official statement on the matter, prompting widespread speculation on social media.
It is worth mentioning here that Rehan Tariq was accused of inciting religious hatred during a podcast with renowned religious leader Allama Syed Jawad Naqvi. Rehan Tariq, who had already been facing severe criticism for his rude tone, sarcastic style and promotion of inappropriate content in the name of journalism, came under further criticism.
During a podcast conducted on the occasion of Muharram, Rehan Tariq allegedly asked controversial questions regarding revered religious figures, which led to strong objections from religious circles.
Following the controversial podcast, serious concerns and criticism were expressed by religious leaders and members of the public. After the podcast, Rehan Tariq travelled to London, where he issued an apology.
However, many religious leaders and members of the public rejected his apology, considering the matter serious, and called for legal action against him. In this context, Rehan Tariq was taken into custody by officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) upon his arrival at Lahore Airport last night.
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