 issues notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other parties after journalist Farhan Mallick.){kind=link}
The Sindh High Court (SHC) issues notice to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other parties after journalist Farhan Mallick filed a petition asking for the cancellation of an FIR registered against him. During the court proceedings, Advocate Abdul Moeez, who represents Mallick, argued that the cases against his client were baseless and motivated by ill intentions. He said, “The cases against my client are not only without merit but also driven by malice.”
He further claimed that although the legal proceedings started with the FIA, it seemed like the investigating officer was personally involved beyond his official duties. Mallick’s lawyer requested that the investigating officer, the FIA director-general, and the federation be added as official respondents to the case. The court accepted this request and allowed changes to the title of the petition. After this, notices were formally issued to the FIA and other concerned parties. The court then adjourned the hearing and asked all parties to submit their replies by April 23.
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This case gained attention after the FIA registered an FIR on March 20, which is connected to the Karsaz Road accident and allegations linked to Raftar TV’s YouTube channel. According to the FIA, the channel was allegedly involved in running a campaign that included “anti-state videos targeting dignitaries,” which is against the law. Farhan Mallick has been accused under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, including Section 16, which is about the unauthorised use of identity information, and Section 20, which deals with offences against the dignity of a person. He is also charged under Section 26-A of Peca, which focuses on spreading “fake news.”
Section 26-A defines fake news as information that someone “knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic, disorder or unrest.” If found guilty under this section, a person could face up to three years in prison, a fine of Rs2 million, or both. Additionally, Mallick has been booked under Sections 500 (defamation) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Mallick’s counsel pointed out during the hearing that the charges are exaggerated and unfair, especially as the Karsaz Road accident-related case is now being used to add more pressure on the journalist. He said that the investigation shows signs of personal involvement, which raises serious concerns about fairness. The court will continue the case on April 23 when all parties are expected to submit their replies.