A judicial magistrate has granted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a six-day physical remand of YouTuber Rehan Tariq in a case involving blasphemy and electronic crime laws.The NCCIA registered an FIR against Tariq after he conducted a controversial podcast discussing sectarian issues, which sparked backlash.

The FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Pakistan Penal Code, including hate speech and outraging religious feelings.Tariq was arrested at Lahore Airport upon his return from abroad and produced before Magistrate Naeem Wattoo.The magistrate approved the remand for further investigation, directing the NCCIA to reappear with Tariq after the period.

The case highlights tensions around free speech and religious sensitivities in Pakistan, with authorities citing legal provisions to address perceived offenses.