LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Lahore District Court on Wednesday approved a six-day physical remand of anchor Rehan Tariq in a case registered under the blasphemy and PECA Act.
The court approved the physical remand of Rehan Tariq at the request of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) investigation team and sought a detailed investigation report at the next hearing.
The investigating authorities took the position in the court that it was necessary to conduct a detailed forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phone and other electronic devices to further investigate the case.
He was arrested by the NCCIA officials upon his arrival at Lahore Airport from London last night.
Rehan Tariq is currently facing legal action over promoting religious hatred and controversial content.
A case was registered against Tariq under Section 295-A of the PPC and other serious provisions of the PECA Act on the complaint of NCCIA Deputy Director Rizwan Sabir.
The text of the case stated that Rehan Tariq had uploaded a controversial podcast with religious scholar Allama Syed Jawad Naqvi a few days ago, in which religiously sensitive and controversial questions were asked.
The podcast went viral on social media, drawing strong reactions from religious and social circles.
The officials said that Tariq incited religious hatred and a culture of vulgarity in the name of journalism.
Rehan Tariq, who was already under severe criticism for his vulgar tone, sarcastic style, and promoting filth in the name of journalism, conducted a podcast on the occasion of Muharram.
During the podcast, he deliberately asked controversial questions about holy figures. After which, serious reservations were expressed by religious circles.
After conducting the controversial podcast, Rehan Tariq fled to London and pretended to apologize there, the officials said, adding that since the act of hurting religious sentiments was so serious, the public, including religious leaders, rejected his apology and demanded his arrest.
