LAHORE – National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered criminal case against journalist and anchorperson Rehan Tariq after accusing him of publishing and sharing online content that allegedly promoted sectarian hatred, inflamed religious tensions, and offended the religious sentiments of a particular community.
According to FIR No. 2421/2026, registered under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as amended in 2025, read with Sections 153-A, 295-A, and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. the case stems from an inquiry launched on June 25, 2026. During routine cyber patrols, investigators identified a video uploaded the same day on the Facebook page “Rehan Tariq Official”, in which the anchor interviewed a religious scholar on highly controversial sectarian issues.
The inquiry alleges that Rehan Tariq deliberately raised sensitive doctrinal and sectarian questions in a manner capable of provoking conflict among different Islamic sects. Investigators claim the interview’s framing and tone had the potential to deepen sectarian divisions, fuel public controversy, undermine communal harmony, and disturb public order.
The interview did not stop at controversial questioning. During the broadcast, Rehan reportedly referred to and aired another video featuring a different religious scholar that allegedly justified or endorsed violent incidents against Shia Muslims. The inquiry states that the combined effect of the interview and the referenced material was capable of encouraging hostility toward the targeted religious community, promoting sectarian hatred, inciting violence, and creating unrest.
The inquiry report said the allegedly objectionable material was intentionally uploaded and made publicly accessible through the social media, allowing it to reach a large online audience. Investigators verified during the inquiry that the page was operated by Rehan Tariq himself.
NCCIA said the interview and associated content prima facie promoted sectarian hatred and hostility while deliberately outraging the religious feelings of a specific religious community. Based on these findings, the agency sought legal action against the anchorperson. After approval from the competent authority through Letter No. Addl.Dir/NCCIA/LHR-Zone/2026/1347 dated June 25, 2026, Sub-Inspector Daniyal Amjad Alvi submitted an application for registration of a criminal case.
The investigation has been assigned to SI/SHO Najam Ashraf Bajwa on the orders of the competent authority, while copies of the FIR have been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.
The allegations contained in the FIR have not been tested in court, and Rehan Tariq is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
