Fri Mar 21 17:54:50 UTC 2025: ## Pakistani Journalist Arrested Under Controversial New Law
**Islamabad, Pakistan –** Farhan Mallick, head of the popular Pakistani online news channel Raftar, was arrested on Thursday and remanded in custody for three days on charges of spreading “anti-state posts and fake news.” The arrest comes under a recently revised law targeting online disinformation, which has sparked widespread concern among journalists and human rights groups.
Mallick’s channel, known for its podcasts and analyses of Pakistani current affairs, including the role of the military, has amassed millions of views on its videos. According to Raftar’s statement, no concrete evidence has been presented to support the charges.
The revised legislation, approved in January 2025, carries a prison sentence of up to three years and allows for the prosecution of individuals who “intentionally disseminate” information deemed “fake or likely to spread fear.” Critics argue the law is being used to suppress dissent and stifle critical journalism.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has condemned the arrest, urging authorities to respect freedom of expression and prevent overreach by investigative agencies. Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari echoed these concerns, stating that the amendments are designed to silence criticism of the state.
Pakistan’s ranking of 152 out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index highlights ongoing concerns about restrictions on media and online access within the country. The arrest of Mr. Mallick further underscores these concerns.
First Piper 