YouTuber Rehan Tariq was placed on a six-day physical remand with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Wednesday after a judicial magistrate allowed further investigation into alleged blasphemy and electronic crime offences. The remand follows a First Information Report (FIR) filed after a podcast episode that sparked sectarian controversy.
Tariq was arrested at Lahore Airport upon his arrival from abroad and produced before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo, where NCCIA officials requested custody to continue their probe into statements made during the podcast.
FIR Details and Legal Sections Invoked
The NCCIA registered the FIR on June 25, citing comments made by Tariq during a podcast with a religious scholar that allegedly inflamed tensions among followers of different sects. The case invokes provisions of both the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and the Pakistan Penal Code:
- PECA Section 11: Hate speech via electronic means.
- PPC Section 153-A: Promoting enmity between groups.
- PPC Section 295-A: Outraging religious feelings.
- PPC Section 298: Deliberately wounding religious sentiments.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Arrest circumstances
Investigators say Tariq was detained immediately after landing at Lahore Airport and handed over to NCCIA officers, who produced him before the magistrate for remand proceedings.
Remand and next steps
Magistrate Naeem Wattoo granted a six-day physical remand at the request of the investigating officer, directing NCCIA to return Tariq to court when the remand expires. The remand allows officers to question witnesses, examine digital records, and gather evidence related to the podcast episode.
Wider context social media enforcement
In May, NCCIA arrested 11 social media activists across Punjab for allegedly spreading “anti-state propaganda and inciting unrest,” signaling increased enforcement of online speech laws. The agency’s recent actions highlight intensified scrutiny of digital content that may inflame social or sectarian tensions.
