Silencing dissent? The arrest and trial of Farhan Mallick
Global outcry over govt clampdown
STATE OF THE NATION
March 26, 2025
THE troubles of well-regarded journalist Farhan Mallick, who is continuing to suffer due to controversial cybercrime laws, have again sparked concerns about press freedom in the country. Mallick, the founder of media outlet ‘Raftar’ and a former news director of a prominent television channel, was arrested in Karachi on March 20 on charges of airing “anti-state” content on his YouTube channel.
A Karachi court has now sent him to jail on a 14-day judicial remand, rejecting the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) request for an extended physical remand. The FIA claims Mallick’s outlet was involved in a campaign that violated laws against spreading “anti-state” content.
Mallick has been charged under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including provisions related to defamation, abetment, and the newly introduced Section 26-A, which criminalises “fake news”. This provision allows authorities to jail individuals for up to three years or fine them up to Rs2 million for spreading information that could cause “fear, panic, or unrest”.
Critics argue that the broad and vague wording of these laws gives the government excessive power to silence dissent and intimidate independent journalists.
Calls for immediate release
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from local and international press freedom organisations. The International Federation of Journalists and its Pakistani affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, condemned the charges and demanded Mallick’s immediate release.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also strongly criticised the government’s actions. “The alarming detention of prominent journalist Farhan Mallick, along with the disappearance of journalist Asif Karim Khethran and the abduction of exiled journalist Ahmed Noorani’s brothers, shows how the Pakistani government has no regard for press freedom and independent journalism,” said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia Programme Coordinator.
CPJ called on authorities to stop harassing journalists and allow Mallick and his media outlet to operate freely. The organisation also noted that requests for comment from Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had gone unanswered.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also urged authorities to rein in intelligence agencies and uphold freedom of expression. Pakistan ranks 152 out of 180 countries in the press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders. The country has long been criticised for internet censorship, including temporary bans on YouTube and TikTok, while social media platform X remains officially blocked.
Mallick’s case has once again highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, where press freedom continues to be curtailed through legal and extra-legal measures.