A Karachi court remanded journalist Farhan Mallick into the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) custody for four days on Friday, following accusations of him broadcasting “anti-state” material on his outlet’s YouTube channel.
Mallick is the founder of Raftar, a media agency describing itself as a “dynamic platform dedicated to driving social change through the power of storytelling.” He also previously served as news director for Samaa TV.
The YouTuber was apprehended in Karachi a day prior, with Raftar alleging that FIA officials visited their offices on Wednesday evening without prior notification, “harassed our team,” and subsequently summoned Mallick to their office.
Mallick was presented before Judicial Magistrate-I (East) Yusra Ashfaq today, where the FIA requested a 14-day physical remand. However, the court granted a four-day remand until March 25 (Tuesday), according to documents shared online and confirmed by Dawn.com.
These documents revealed that Mallick was charged by the FIA under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which criminalizes the broadcasting or dissemination of material deemed harmful to national security or public order. The FIA claimed that Mallick’s channel had been spreading content considered “anti-state,” though the specific nature of the material has not been publicly disclosed.
Raftar, which is known for producing content that touches on social issues and aims to instigate social change, has expressed concerns about the FIA’s actions, calling it an attack on press freedom. In a statement, the agency claimed that the FIA’s actions were not only unlawful but also a form of intimidation designed to silence independent voices in the media.
Farhan Mallick’s arrest is part of a broader trend in Pakistan, where there have been increasing concerns about media freedoms, especially in relation to digital platforms. Critics argue that such actions reflect a growing crackdown on independent journalism and an attempt to control narratives critical of the government.
Mallick’s arrest has drawn attention from local and international human rights organizations, which have condemned the move as an infringement on free speech. The case has also raised broader questions about the balance between national security concerns and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
As the remand period continues, Mallick’s legal team is expected to challenge the charges in court. Meanwhile, Raftar and other media organizations are continuing to monitor the case closely, with many calling for the immediate release of Mallick and the protection of media freedoms in the country.
