TV Anchor Rehan Tariq Remanded for Six Days in Blasphemy and PECA Case
Lahore: A district court in Lahore has granted a six-day physical remand of television anchor and podcaster Rehan Tariq, who was arrested in a case registered under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code and provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Following a hearing at the Lahore District Courts, the court handed Rehan Tariq over to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for further investigation. The court also directed investigators to submit a detailed progress report at the next hearing.
According to officials, the case was registered on the complaint of NCCIA Deputy Director Rizwan Sabir. Authorities allege that Rehan Tariq uploaded an interview on his official social media page containing questions that investigators described as highly sensitive and controversial.
Investigators told the court that forensic examination of the suspect’s electronic devices, including a mobile phone and other digital equipment recovered during the investigation, is required. They argued that physical custody was necessary to complete the forensic process.
The FIR includes charges under Section 295-A, which relates to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, along with other relevant provisions of the PECA.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the court has not made any determination regarding the merits of the case.
