Podcaster Rehan Tariq Arrested in Lahore Under Blasphemy and Cybercrime Laws

Podcaster and journalist Rehan Tariq has been arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) upon his arrival at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport from London.

He was subsequently produced before a Lahore magistrate, who granted the NCCIA a six-day physical remand. The case against Tariq has been registered under provisions related to blasphemy and cybercrime, specifically Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code and relevant sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

Investigators informed the court that complaints had been received from religious groups concerning allegedly controversial podcast content. The case reportedly involves an episode featuring religious scholar Jawad Naqvi, which was recorded before Tariq’s travel to the United Kingdom. Officials have requested time to examine Tariq’s digital accounts, seize his mobile phone, and recover original podcast recordings and related data.

Tariq was stopped at the airport after returning from London and later taken into NCCIA custody. Reports also indicate that his name had been placed on a no-fly list.

This arrest highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by Pakistani podcasters, journalists, and digital creators, particularly where online speech intersects with religion, politics, and cybercrime laws. A final determination has not yet been made by a court, and the allegations remain subject to ongoing investigation.