LAHORE: A Sessions Court on Tuesday granted post-arrest bail to podcast host Rehan Tariq in a case registered under blasphemy and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
While allowing the bail petition, the court observed that the petitioner was a journalist and it could not be concluded that he had asked questions with mala fide intentions.
The court noted that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had completed its investigation and Tariq was no longer required for further probe. The court subsequently allowed the bail and ordered his release subject to furnishing surety bonds. Advocate Mian Dawood appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioner.
The NCCIA had registered the case against Tariq under Section 11 of the PECA 2016, along with Sections 153-A, 295-A and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). According to the NCCIA, Tariq conducted a podcast with a religious scholar, in which highly sensitive and controversial sectarian issues were discussed, allegedly creating controversy among followers of different sects.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments