Journalist remanded in FIA custody

KARACHI: A judicial magistrate handed over journalist Farhan Mallick to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a four-day physical remand.

The FIA took the journalist into custody on Thursday for allegedly violating the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and involvement in defamation. During Saturday’s proceedings at the Judicial Magistrate (East) court, Mallick’s lawyer argued that ongoing inquiries were already underway against the journalist and that the Sindh High Court had previously issued orders preventing any legal action. However, the FIA proceeded with the case despite the court’s directives, the lawyer claimed.

An FIR has been lodged against him under multiple sections of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act read with Pakistan Penal Code’s Section 190 (punishment for abetment) and Section 500 (punishment for defamation). The FIR mentions that Mallick, who worked for a private news channel as its director news and now owns a YouTube channel, was allegedly involved in disseminating anti-state content. “During [i]nquiry, initial technical analysis of alleged YouTube Channel was received which revealed that the alleged person is involved in generating and disseminating anti-state posts and videos consisting of fake news and public incitement agenda,” the FIR mentioned. “He has caused harm to the reputation of public institutes on an international level, which acts on his part constitute the commission of offence.”

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed concern over the arrest of Farhan Malik, and views this as a blatant attempt to stifle free speech and intimidate journalists who dare to criticize those in power. Meanwhile, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors has condemned the arrest and described the FIA’s action as malicious.