KARACHI: A judicial magistrate on Friday ordered journalist Farhan Mallick to remain in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for four days in connection with a case involving alleged “anti-state” content shared on his YouTube channel, Raftar.
Mallick, the founder of Raftar media agency and former news director at Samaa TV, was detained a day earlier at the FIA’s Cyber Crime Reporting Centre. He faces charges under Sections 16 (unauthorised use of identity information) and 20 (offences against dignity of a natural person) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016. Additionally, Section 26-A (false and fake information), introduced through a recent amendment, has also been applied, alongside Sections 500 (defamation) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Section 26-A stipulates that anyone who deliberately spreads, exhibits, or transmits false or misleading information that could incite fear, panic, or unrest in society may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to two million rupees, or both.
FIA’s Allegations
According to the FIR, the FIA launched an inquiry based on intelligence reports indicating that Raftar was allegedly involved in posting anti-state videos targeting dignitaries. The agency identified Mallick as the channel’s handler and claimed a technical analysis linked him to the dissemination of content deemed to be fake news and incitement against public institutions.
The FIA accused Mallick of consistently sharing and uploading such material, arguing that his actions had damaged the international reputation of public institutions.
Court Proceedings
On Friday, investigating officer Muhammad Zeeshan Awan presented Mallick before judicial magistrate (east) Yusra Ashfaq, requesting a 14-day remand for further interrogation. Awan asserted that Mallick’s custody was necessary to examine records obtained from him and to identify any accomplices or additional incriminating material.
However, Mallick’s legal counsel opposed the request, arguing against prolonged custody. After reviewing both sides, the court granted a four-day remand, directing the FIA to produce Mallick at the next hearing.
Industry Backlash
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) condemned Mallick’s arrest, denouncing the FIA’s actions as “malicious.” The organization criticized the FIR as “vague, unclear, and baseless,” viewing it as a means to intimidate and suppress journalists.
AEMEND reiterated its previous warnings that amendments to Peca could be weaponized against journalists, calling Mallick’s case a clear example. The association urged the federal government, the interior minister, and the FIA director general to investigate the matter, arguing that such actions were harming Pakistan’s global reputation.
Similarly, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) voiced concerns over the arrest, describing it as an attempt to silence journalists critical of those in power. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari issued a joint statement demanding Mallick’s immediate and unconditional release, along with a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention.
PFUJ further emphasized that Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, urging the government to uphold this fundamental right. It called on authorities to respect democratic principles and protect press freedom, warning that the international community was closely observing the situation.
