Pakistan grants bail to Journalist Farhan Mallick in high-profile anti-state content case

File Source: Dawn

A local court in Pakistan on Monday granted bail to journalist Farhan Mallick, who had been in judicial custody over allegations of disseminating anti-state content under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), according to Geo News.

Mallick, a former news director at a private television channel, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on March 20. He was accused of uploading “fake news and public incitement content” on a YouTube channel, allegedly harming the reputation of public institutions at an international level.

An FIR registered against him stated, “During the course of inquiry, initial technical analysis of the alleged YouTube Channel was received, which revealed that the alleged person is involved in generating and disseminating posts and videos related to anti-state, consisting of fake news and public incitement agenda.”

The FIR further noted, “He has [been] continuously disseminating and uploading posts and videos related to anti-state, consist of fake news and public incitement agenda, thereby causing harm to the reputation of public institutes on an international level which acts on his part constitute the commission of the offence.”

The court granted bail in the PECA case on Monday, directing Mallick to submit a surety bond of PKR 100,000.

In a separate case, the court also granted bail to Mallick over alleged involvement in operating an illegal call center accused of defrauding foreigners and stealing data. A separate surety bond of PKR 100,000 was required for this bail as well.

Mallick had earlier been denied bail on March 28, and was placed on judicial remand after a court rejected the FIA’s request to extend his physical remand.

The case has drawn attention amid growing concerns over press freedom in Pakistan. Recent amendments to PECA have sparked protests by journalist unions and media bodies, who argue the law is being used to suppress dissent and intimidate reporters.

While Mallick’s bail marks a temporary reprieve, his legal troubles highlight the broader challenges faced by journalists operating under tightening state scrutiny in Pakistan.