a sessions court in lahore granted post-arrest bail to podcast host rehan tariq in a blasphemy case registered under the prevention of electronic crimes act (peca).the national cyber crime investigation agency (nccia) had arrested tariq upon his arrival at lahore’s international airport.advocate mian dawood argued that the prosecution failed to produce evidence linking tariq to alleged social media uploads, emphasizing that discussing religious or historical topics is a constitutionally protected journalistic function.he highlighted that the fir did not specify which questions were objected to and cited opinions from religious scholars stating the content did not disrespect any revered islamic figure.the court also noted the investigation was complete and the case fell under non-prohibitory clauses.opposing counsel from nccia claimed tariq’s questions provoked religious discord.the judge approved bail with a surety bond of rs100,000.previously, a magistrate had denied bail, and tariq was remanded for six days.the fir cited multiple sections of the pakistan penal code, including hate speech and outraging religious feelings.this case highlights ongoing tensions around blasphemy laws and free speech in pakistan.