Silencing the Truth: The Arrest of Farhan Mallick and the Crackdown on Independent Journalism in Pakistan

On March 25, 2025, Farhan Mallick, a prominent journalist and founder of the independent digital media platform Raftar, was picked up by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Gulistan-i-Johar, Karachi. The charges against him were severe: Sections 16, 20, and 26(a) of the amended Prevention of Crimes and Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as well as Sections 109 and 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The allegations? "Generating and disseminating posts and videos related to anti-state, consisting of fake news and public incitement agenda." This was not the first time Mallick had faced such charges; in December 2024, he was arrested and detained at Karachi Airport without legal counsel for five hours after being barred from boarding a flight to Doha.

The FIA's actions against Mallick and Raftar are part of a broader pattern of state coercion and harassment against journalists in Pakistan. According to the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) South Asia Press Freedom Report 2023-24, more than 300 journalists and bloggers were targeted with state coercion and harassment, including dozens of journalists arrested for durations between several hours to four weeks. Nearly 60 journalists were served legal notices or summons for their journalism work or personal dissent online. Of these, at least eight were charged for alleged sedition, terrorism, and incitement to violence—all serious charges carrying lengthy sentences and even the death penalty.

The FIA's actions against Mallick and Raftar are a clear attempt to suppress independent journalism and investigative reporting. The seizure of data, computers, laptops, documents, and transcripts from the Raftar office, as well as the blocking of Raftar’s website, represent a significant threat to press freedom and investigative journalism in Pakistan. The FIA's allegations that Mallick's platform was "generating and disseminating posts and videos related to anti-state, consisting of fake news and public incitement agenda" suggest a crackdown on critical reporting.

The FIA's actions against Mallick and Raftar have been condemned by various journalist unions, including the Sukkur Union of Journalists and the Pakistan Federal Unions of Journalists (PFUJ), who labelled Mallick’s arrest a “suppression of truth and justice.” The PFUJ called for Mallick’s immediate release, stating, “We strongly condemn the unlawful arrest of media personnel, and the registration of a fake case based on baseless allegations on a media manager.” The IFJ also expressed concern, stating, "The arrest of senior journalist Farhan Mallick and the arbitrary raid of Raftar is a hugely concerning case of state harassment against a news outlet publishing in the public interest. This case has much wider and worrying ramifications for the entire media sector in Pakistan and this state instituted campaign against Mallick must stop. Journalists must be safeguarded for their right to report freely without fear of reprisal or retaliation."

The arrest of Mallick and the raid on Raftar's office have created a chilling effect on investigative journalism in Pakistan. Journalists may self-censor to avoid similar repercussions, leading to a consolidation of media ownership, where only larger, well-funded outlets can afford to operate independently. The legal and financial burdens imposed by such actions can be prohibitive, especially for smaller or independent media platforms. The public perception of media independence and credibility can also be eroded by such actions, undermining public trust in the media's ability to report objectively and truthfully.

The increasing scrutiny and legal actions against journalists and media outlets in Pakistan can have significant long-term effects on the ability of digital media platforms to operate independently. These effects include a chilling effect on journalistic freedom, legal and financial burdens, erosion of public trust, increased surveillance and control, and hindrance to the growth of digital media platforms.

The case of Farhan Mallick and Raftar is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in Pakistan. The systematic targeting of journalists, the seizure of media assets, and the blocking of websites create an environment of fear and intimidation, which undermines the ability of journalists to report freely and hold those in power accountable. The arrest of Mallick and the actions against Raftar represent a significant threat to press freedom and investigative journalism in Pakistan, and the international community must take notice and take action to safeguard the right to report freely without fear of reprisal or retaliation.