Journalist Farhan Mallick remanded to FIA custody in ‘fraud’ case

Karachi: local court on Wednesday remanded journalist Farhan Mallick into the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) custody for five more days in connection with a newly registered fraud case.
His lawyer, Abdul Moiz Jaferii, criticised the new FIR, claiming the FIA presented Mallick in a Malir court on Wednesday without prior notice and in violation of court orders. “They’re trying to waste more days of his life,” Jaferii said, predicting the fresh case would consume several more days in legal proceedings.

Previously, Mallick was charged under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including sections related to unauthorised identity use, defamation, and abetment, alongside provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. One of the charges, Section 26A of PECA—recently added—targets the spread of fake news that causes fear or disorder, carrying up to three years in prison or a fine of Rs2 million.

The law has sparked concern among journalists and civil society over its broad interpretation and impact on press freedom. Mallick’s continued detention has further intensified debate over the use of cybercrime laws against media professionals.