Journalist Farhan Malick ‘arrested’ by FIA under Peca law

ISLAMABAD: Journalist Farhan Malick has been taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for allegedly violating the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), according to sources privy to the matters.

They also added that the mobile phones belonging to Malick, a former news director of a private TV channel, were also confiscated.

A message on X, uploaded on the handle of the YouTube channel run by Farhan Malick, claimed: “Yesterday evening, FIA officials visited the channel office without prior notice. They harassed our team, provided no explanation for their visit, and verbally summoned Mr Malick to their office for a hearing today at 1 PM.”

The post further alleged: “In compliance, Mr Malick appeared at the designated office at the required time. However, after making him wait for hours without cause, the authorities arrested him at 6pm.”

Condemning the arrest, the X post added: “We are deeply concerned by this blatant intimidation of independent journalism. The channel stands for truth, accountability, and the right to report freely without fear. The lack of transparency in this situation raises serious questions about press freedom and the targeting of independent voices.”

The statement concluded with a demand for action: “We demand immediate clarity on Mr Malick’s arrest and call for the protection of journalists and media professionals from unjust harassment.”