Rehan Tariq was sent to 6-day physical remand in the PECA …..

Admin.CEO 09 July, 2026News & Updates, Pakistan News

Rehan Tariq was sent to 6-day physical remand in the PECA case

LAHORE – A Lahore court has handed over podcast host Rehan Tariq to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on six-day physical remand after he was arrested on charges of spreading religious hatred through online content.

Rehan Tariq was taken into custody by the NCCIA on his arrival in Pakistan from London on Wednesday. Authorities have booked them under Sections 11-C, 295-A, and 298 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which alleges that content published online hurts religious sentiments and is likely to incite communal riots.

The matter arose out of a podcast recorded with religious scholar Syed Jawad Naqvi, which drew widespread attention and criticism on social media. According to the FIR, Rehan Tariq allegedly raised questions related to highly sensitive and controversial communal issues during the interview. The complainant argued that the nature of the questions, their context and the manner in which they were presented could lead to debate among followers of different sects and schools of thought.

The case registered against Rehan Tariq came to light, the case was registered under PICA, 295A and other provisions.
The action was taken on the basis of source information pic.twitter.com/j53hLVafDK

— Naveed Satti (@Naveedsatti555) July 8, 2026

The FIR added that a preliminary review concluded that the content was deliberately uploaded on social media and appeared to be provocative. Investigators allege that the material has the potential to incite public unrest, promote communal hatred and undermine social harmony. During the appearance in the court, Rehan Tariq objected to the manner of appearance and said that I was presented in the court as if I am a most wanted criminal, I don’t even know what charges have been made against me.

The court granted a six-day physical remand and allowed the NCCIA to continue investigating the case.

Before his arrest, Rehan Tariq publicly apologized on social media for the controversial podcast, acknowledging the backlash it caused. The investigation is ongoing, and the charges against them are subject to court proceedings.