A judicial magistrate on Wednesday granted a six-day physical remand of podcast host Rehan Tariq. The remand allows the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to continue its investigation.
Authorities registered the case after a podcast discussing sensitive sectarian issues sparked widespread controversy. The FIR was filed on June 25 under blasphemy and electronic crime laws.
NCCIA Investigates Podcast Under PECA And PPC
According to investigators, the podcast featured a religious scholar discussing controversial sectarian matters. Officials alleged the content violated provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR includes charges under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. It also cites Sections 153-A, 295-A and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
During the hearing, NCCIA officials produced Tariq before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo at the district courts. Investigators informed the court they had arrested him at Lahore Airport after his arrival from abroad.
Court Orders Suspect Produced After Remand
The investigating officer requested physical remand to complete further inquiries into the case. Consequently, the magistrate approved a six-day physical remand.
The court also directed investigators to produce Tariq after the remand period ends. Further proceedings will continue following the completion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the NCCIA has recently intensified action against online activities under cybercrime laws. In May, authorities arrested 11 social media activists in Punjab over allegations of spreading anti-state propaganda and inciting public unrest.
