Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) arrested journalist Farhan Mallick on Thursday evening in Karachi. The journalist has been arrested apparently over the content of videos.
Farhan Mallick runs a digital media outlet under the name of Raftar which describes itself as a “dynamic platform dedicated to driving social change through the power of storytelling.” He is also the former news director of Samaa TV.
FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre Additional Director Shahzad Haider told the local news outlet that the inquiry against Farhan Mallick was initiated three months ago. Mallick had run several programs against the security establishment, said the officials regarding his arrest.
According to his wife, there was no charge sheet, nor any reason for his arrest. “We have not received a first information report (FIR), nor have we been informed about the charges,” she said over the phone. “We know that he’s at the FIA Cybercrime office in Gulistan-i-Johar.”
She said Mallick went to the FIA office on his own as he had to discuss something. She said that he was not received by anyone there for hours.
“We were thinking it was just a meeting, there was no indication he was under investigation,” she maintained. “After four or five hours, he was told he was under arrest. I am clueless as to why this is happening,” she said.
“The content we produce is all in the public domain, we do not use any secret information.”
A tweet appeared on Thursday on the account of Farhan Mallick from his daughter. She said FIA officials barged into his office and gave no reason for their visit.
“They harassed him and his team, gave no reason for their visit, and demanded that he appear at their office today at 1pm for a hearing,” the post read.
“I don’t know what crime my father is being accused of — because there isn’t one. He is a journalist who believes in truth, in holding power accountable, in giving a voice to the people,” she wrote.
Read more: Maryam Nawaz’s $20,000 Hermes Bag Triggers Social Media Buzz
“Is that now a crime? Is free journalism something to be punished?”
Raftar in its tweet confirmed FIA visited their office on Wednesday and summoned Farhan Mallick to their office at 1 PM on Thursday.
“In compliance, Mallick appeared at the designated office at the required time. However, after making him wait for hours without cause, the authorities arrested him at 6pm,” the post read, alleging that Raftar’s team was harassed by FIA officials.
“Raftar stands for truth, accountability, and the right to report freely without fear,” the outlet added. “The lack of transparency in this situation raises serious questions about press freedom and the targeting of independent voices,” said Raftar in its statement on X.
