Court approves four-day FIA remand for journalist Farhan Mallick
smartcybers786@gmail.com 
In this undated image, journalist Farhan Mallick speaks during an interview. — YouTube
#Court #approves #fourday #FIA #remand #journalist #Farhan #Mallick
KARACHI: A judicial magistrate has sent journalist Farhan Malik to the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for four days.
The FIA had arrested a journalist a day earlier a day ago for violating the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) prevention and infamy.
The controversial law of Pika was recently amended and journalists across the country have protested against the law, and it is being tried for freedom of expression and efforts are being made to intimidate newspapers and their media.
During today’s proceedings in the Judicial Magistrate (East) court, Malik’s lawyer argued that the ongoing inquiry against the journalist was already underway and the Sindh High Court had earlier issued orders to stop any legal proceedings.
However, the lawyer claimed that despite the court’s directive, the FIA went ahead with the case.
An FIR has been lodged against them under several parts of the PECA Act, which has been read with Section 190 of the Pakistan Code of Conduct (if it has been committed as a result of this act and where no clear supply has been made for its punishment) and 500 (notorious punishment).
The FIR mentions that Malcolm, who worked as its Director News for a private news channel and now owns a YouTube channel, was allegedly involved in spreading the state’s anti -content.
“During the course [i]The FIR states that the alleged YouTube channel’s initial technical analysis was received, which revealed that the alleged person was involved in creating and spreading anti -state posts and videos about fake news and public outrageous agenda.
“He is [been] Permanently spreading and uploading state anti -state posts and videos contains the agenda of fake news and public outrage, thus damaging the reputation of government agencies internationally that works by it.
In a post from his X account last evening, his family said that the FIA allegedly entered his office, harassed him and his team, did not give any reason for his visit, and demanded that he be present at his office on March 20 at 1 pm.
“Like a citizen who adheres to any law, he went away-just for hours to wait for no reason. Then, at 6pm, he arrested him. He arrested him. No explanation. No justification. Nothing,” the post is mentioned.
“I don’t know what crime my father is being accused of – because there is not one. He is a journalist who believes in the truth in giving people voice, keeping power accountable. Is this a crime now? Is there anything to punish free journalism?”
A message on the X -uploaded on the handle of the YouTube channel administered by Farhan Malik claimed: “Yesterday evening, FIA officials visited the office without any notice. They harassed our team, provided no explanation for their visit, and verbally called on Mr. Malcolm this evening.
The post further alleged: “In compliance, Mr. Malcolm appeared in the designated office on the required time. However, after waiting for hours for no reason, authorities arrested him at 6 pm.”
Condemning the arrest, the X Post added: “We are deeply concerned about these clear threats of free journalism. The channel has the right to report freely, accountable, and without fear.
The statement ended with the demand for action: “We demand an immediate explanation about Mr Melk’s arrest and call for journalists and media professionals to protect them from illegal harassment.”
