A judicial magistrate on Thursday rejected the post-arrest bail application of podcast host and YouTuber Rehan Tariq in a case filed under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
According to the case details, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Rehan Tariq on June 25. The case was filed after he hosted a podcast featuring a religious scholar in which sensitive and controversial sectarian issues were discussed.
Authorities alleged that the content of the podcast led to public controversy and triggered strong reactions among followers of different religious sects. Following the registration of the FIR, legal proceedings were initiated under relevant provisions of the blasphemy laws and PECA.
During Thursday’s hearing, the court dismissed Rehan Tariq’s request for post-arrest bail, meaning he will remain in custody as the investigation and legal proceedings continue. The case has drawn significant public attention due to its connection with religious issues and online content regulation in Pakistan.
