Raftar Founder Farhan Mallick Detained by FIA

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) detained journalist Farhan Mallick on Thursday over allegations related to the content of his YouTube videos. Mallick, the founder of Raftar, a social media platform focused on driving social change through storytelling, is also a former news director at Samaa TV.

Shahzad Haider, Additional Director of the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, revealed that Mallick had been under investigation for approximately three months. Haider stated that the journalist was arrested after an inquiry concluded he had aired “multiple programs critical of the security establishment.” However, specific charges against Mallick remain unclear.

Mallick’s wife expressed concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding his arrest. Speaking to the media, she said no formal charge sheet or First Information Report (FIR) had been provided to the family. “We have not been informed of the charges against him. All we know is that he is being held at the FIA cybercrime office in Gulistan-i-Johar,” she said.

She also shared that Mallick had voluntarily visited the FIA office for a “discussion” but was left waiting for hours without being attended to. The arrest has raised questions about the grounds for his detention and the broader implications for press freedom in the country.

The case has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between journalists and state institutions, particularly regarding criticism of sensitive entities like the security establishment. As the situation unfolds, many are calling for clarity and due process in Mallick’s case.

UPDATE: Raftar team, along with other renowned journalists, are staging a protest outside the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) office in Karachi.

The demonstration comes in response to what they describe as increasing restrictions on press freedom and the harassment of media professionals. Protesters are demanding transparency, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, emphasizing the crucial role of a free press in democracy.

The gathering has drawn attention from civil rights activists, media organizations, and the general public, highlighting growing concerns over press censorship and intimidation in the country.