ISLAMABAD: The founder of a Pakistani Internet media channel appeared in court on Friday on charges of “anti-state posts and fake news” under toughened legislation targeting online content.
Farhan Mallick, head of the Raftar channel, was remanded in custody for three days, his media outlet reported on social media platform X.
The charge sheet seen by AFP shows he was detained under a revised law targeting people “intentionally disseminating” information that is “fake or likely to spread fear.”
The revised legislation carries a prison term of up to three years and prompted journalist protests when it was approved in January.
“At this stage, no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate the anti-state allegations against Mr.Mallick or Raftar,” read an online statement by the channel, which primarily publishes podcasts and analyzes of current affairs.
Several of Raftar’s videos have amassed more than a million views in recent years and examine the role of Pakistan’s powerful military, which analysts say is deeply involved in the country’s politics and economy.
Mallick was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency, which deals with cybercrime, on Thursday.
The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan subsequently called on authorities to “check the overreach of agencies... and uphold the right to freedom of expression.”
The criminalization of online disinformation has spread fear in Pakistan, with journalists among those worried about the potentially wide reach of the law.
“Amendments are being brought in specifically to quell dissent, to abduct, arrest, and detain journalists, and to silence journalism, silence dissent, and silence all criticism of the state,” human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari told AFP.
Pakistan is ranked 152 out of 180 countries in a press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders.
Islamabad has long been criticized by watchdogs for restricting Internet access, including temporary bans on YouTube and TikTok, while X is officially blocked.
Pakistani journalist faces court over ‘anti-state’ posts
https://arab.news/65e7x
Pakistani journalist faces court over ‘anti-state’ posts
- Farhan Mallick, head of the Raftar channel, was remanded in custody for three days, his media outlet reported on X
- He was detained under a law targeting people ‘intentionally disseminating’ information that is ‘fake or likely to spread fear’
Pakistan, Iran resolve to strengthen trade cooperation, work for regional peace
- Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar speaks to Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi
- Pakistan, Iran have attempted to enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion in recent years
ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan vowed on Sunday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, various other sectors and work for regional peace, the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan and Iran have attempted to enhance bilateral trade and commerce in recent years. The two neighbors have set up border markets and discussed barter trade to get around banking and currency restrictions.
Sanctions and foreign exchange shortages remain key hurdles for Iran, making barter systems and cross-border markets central to its trade strategy with Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s foreign minister, spoke to Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi over the phone on Sunday during which the two discussed regional developments.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties, and reiterated their resolve to work closely together for regional peace and development,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement.
Pakistan and Iran have attempted to enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion. However, apart from sanctions and foreign exchange shortages, ties between the two countries remain complicated due to security issues.
Pakistan and Iran have remained at odds over instability along their shared, porous border that even led to a missile exchange between them in 2024. Both countries, however, were quick to move to ease tensions.
Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan in August this year, during which the two countries signed agreements to enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028.
Both countries have also consistently criticized Israel for its war on Gaza and repeated violations of a fragile ceasefire brokered by world powers, including the US.
