Pakistani journalist and podcast host Rehan Tariq was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after landing in Lahore from London early Wednesday morning. He was first stopped by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Allama Iqbal International Airport and held for several hours before being told he was named in an NCCIA case. He was then handed over to the cybercrime agency.
Officials say the case is connected to Tariq’s recent podcast episode featuring religious scholar Jawad Naqvi. The episode was recorded before Tariq left for his UK holiday. Investigators are reviewing the podcast’s content, but so far, authorities have not shared the exact allegations or the legal sections used to register the case.
Reports say Tariq did not know about any case against him until he was stopped at the airport. He had gone to the UK for a private holiday. Neither the FIA nor the NCCIA has released an official statement, and it is still unclear when he will appear in court or if more details will be shared.
The arrest has sparked concern among journalists and on social media. PTI leader Shahbaz Gill also reacted, calling for Tariq’s release and urging that at least some independent voices be allowed to remain free.
This case adds to wider debate in Pakistan about how cybercrime laws are used against journalists and content creators, and whether such actions affect press freedom. More updates are expected as the investigation moves forward.
