FIA Arrests Journalist Farhan Mallick Over Alleged Anti-Establishment Content

On March 20, 2025, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested journalist Farhan Mallick, founder of the digital media platform Raftar, in Karachi. According to FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre Additional Director Shahzad Haider, an inquiry initiated three months prior revealed that Mallick had produced “several programmes against the security establishment.” Mallick’s wife reported that no formal charges or first information report (FIR) were provided at the time of his arrest. A day earlier, FIA officials had visited Raftar’s office without prior notice, allegedly harassing staff and summoning Mallick for a hearing. Raftar condemned the arrest, emphasizing their commitment to truthful reporting and expressing concerns about press freedom and the targeting of independent voices.