Journalist Farhan Mallick Granted Bail in Controversial “Anti-State” Content Case
Court Overturns Earlier Decision in High-Profile Media Freedom Case
A Karachi court granted bail on Monday to journalist Farhan Mallick, founder of media agency Raftar and former Samaa TV news director, in a case involving alleged “anti-state” content under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Key Details of the Case
- Arrest Date:Â March 20, 2024
- Charges:
- Violations under PECA 2016 (Sections 16, 20, 26A)
- Defamation & abetment under Pakistan Penal Code
- Bail Conditions:Â Rs. 100,000 surety bond
Legal Proceedings & Public Reaction
- Initial Bail Denial: Judicial Magistrate Yusra Ashfaq rejected Mallick’s plea on March 28
- Appeal Success: District Judge (East) Dr. Chaudhry Wasim Iqbal overturned the decision
- Media Rights Concerns: Arrest drew criticism from journalist unions & human rights groups
Second Case: Alleged Involvement in “Spoofed Calls” Scam
A separate hearing is underway regarding Mallick’s alleged connection to an illegal VoIP call center in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, where suspects reportedly:
✔ Impersonated bank security officials
✔ Targeted foreign nationals for financial fraud
What’s Next?
- Malir Court hearing scheduled for the VoIP case
- Raftar Media called the bail a “small victory” but acknowledged a “long legal battle ahead”
Why This Case Matters
- Growing Press Freedom Concerns: PECA’s Section 26A criminalizes “fake news,” raising fears of media suppression
- Potential 3-Year Jail Term: Conviction could mean imprisonment + Rs. 2M fine
- Journalists at Risk: Case reflects increasing legal pressures on independent media
Public & Legal Response
✔ Media advocates condemn the arrest as an attack on free speech
✔ FIA’s delayed response to court hearings raised procedural questions
✔ Ongoing scrutiny of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws and their impact on journalism
Will this case set a precedent for media freedom in Pakistan? Follow for updates as the legal battle continues.
